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The case of Joseph Pennyfeather III, accused of murdering Tanzanica Dickerson, is now before a grand jury in Orange County. On December 23, Pennyfeather allegedly shot Dickerson, his 45-year-old girlfriend, in the head during a domestic dispute on Heritage Trail in South Blooming Grove.
According to the New York State Police, officers responded to the scene around 4:41 p.m., finding Dickerson unconscious with a gunshot wound and signs of blunt force trauma. Despite life-saving efforts, she was pronounced dead at Garnet Health Medical Center. An autopsy confirmed the cause of death as homicide.
Pennyfeather, 44, was arrested at the scene and charged with second-degree murder and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. He is currently held without bail in Orange County Jail, pending further court proceedings. The investigation, led by the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation and other units, is ongoing.
As reported by RecordOnline, Pennyfeather was scheduled to appear in Town of Blooming Grove Court on December 29. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the State Police at 845-344-5300.