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The suspect in a recent Orange County murder, Joseph M. Pennyfeather III, is scheduled to appear in court today (December 29) in South Blooming Grove. Pennyfeather, 44, was arrested following the death of 45-year-old Tanzanica Dickerson, who was found with a gunshot wound on Heights Trail earlier this month.
According to the New York State Police, officers responded to a call on December 23 about an unconscious woman with a gunshot wound. Upon arrival, they found Dickerson suffering from a gunshot wound and apparent trauma. Despite life-saving efforts, she was pronounced dead at Garnet Health Medical Center.
The investigation revealed that Pennyfeather and Dickerson, who lived together, had a verbal argument that turned physical before the shooting occurred. An autopsy confirmed that Dickerson died from a gunshot wound and blunt force trauma, and her death was ruled a homicide.
Pennyfeather was charged with second-degree murder and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. He was taken into custody at the scene and arraigned in the City of Middletown Court, where he was remanded to the Orange County Jail without bail. He is set to appear in the Town of Blooming Grove Court today.
The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to contact the New York State Police at 845-344-5300.