Please find and view the most up to date news and information regarding the Town of New Windsor Police Department listed below.
24th Anniversary of Nancy Smith Homicide
On December 5, 2001, Nancy Smith, a 32-year-old female, was found deceased in her house on Provost Drive in New Windsor. On that day, Smith’s parents received a call from her office saying that Smith had not shown up to work at Horton Hospital in Middletown. Concerned, they went to check on Smith at her New Windsor home on Provost Drive, where they found her deceased on the living room floor. Nancy’s death was the result of a vicious attack and the investigation into her murder began.
As the 23rd Anniversary of Nancy’s death approaches, the Detectives from New Windsor Police Department are, once again, asking for the community’s assistance in identifying Nancy’s killer. The New Windsor Police Department would like to encourage members of the community to call us with any information they may have about this murder. Any piece of information would help, no matter how small or insignificant a person may feel their information would be. For 23 years, investigators and family members have been trying to find the missing pieces to the puzzle for this crime. There is a reward of $35,000 being offered, for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for Nancy’s death.
Investigators working this investigation can be reached at 845-563-4678 or by email at kmoore@newwindsor-ny.gov.
On December 5, 2001, Nancy Smith, a 32-year-old resident was found deceased in her house on Provost Drive in New Windsor. On that day, Smith’s parents received a call from her office saying that Smith had not shown up to work at the Horton Hospital in Middletown. Concerned, they went to check on Smith at her New Windsor home on Provost Drive, where they found her deceased on the living room floor. Nancy’s death was the result of a vicious attack and the investigation into her murder began.
As the 20th Anniversary of Nancy’s death approaches, the detectives from New Windsor Police Department are, once again, asking for the community’s assistance in identifying Nancy’s killer. To date, over 900 investigative leads have been pursued by members of the NWPD, New York State Police, Orange County District Attorney’s Office and several other Local, State and Federal law enforcement agencies. Over the last few years, detectives have re-examined evidence in this case, re-interviewed witnesses, friends, family members, co-workers and other persons from Nancy’s life. Representatives from both public criminal and private DNA laboratories have been consulted, seeking the latest testing methods and technologies available. So far, we have been unable to identify the perpetrator.
The New Windsor Police Department would like to encourage members of the community to call us with any information they may have about this murder. Any piece of information would help, no matter how small or insignificant a person may feel their information would be. For 20 years, investigators and family members have been trying to find the missing pieces to the puzzle for this crime. There is still a reward of $20,000 being offered, for information leading to the identification and arrest of the person(s) responsible for Nancy’s death.
Investigators working this investigation can be reached at 845-563-4657 or by email at csager@newwindsor-ny.gov.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE #25-14 Issued on: July 3, 2025
NWPD Holds Awards Ceremony and Monument Dedication
New Windsor, NY - On July 2, 2025, the New Windsor Town Board recognized the 60th Anniversary of the town’s police department with an official resolution. Town Supervisor Stephen Bedetti said, “For 60 years, the New Windsor Police Department has exemplified unwavering dedication, professionalism, and service to our community. Their commitment to protecting our residents and upholding the values of justice and integrity has left an indelible mark on our town’s history. It’s an honor to recognize this milestone and the men and women who have served with distinction throughout the decades.”
This was the latest in a series of events held to recognize this milestone in the agency’s history. In May of this year, the Police Department, together with the Town Board, dedicated a monument outside Police Headquarters honoring all past teams serving in the department’s K-9 Unit. Additionally, department members gathered outside the police station for a group photo and a challenge coin was created in honor of the anniversary.
The New Windsor Police Department became a full-time law enforcement agency in 1965 after the growth of the town and its population necessitated the change in policing from constables to police officers.
During the 1960's the Town Board recognized the need to establish a full-time police department. The constables then became part-time police officers and were assisted by the auxiliary police. In 1961 former Chief Constable James W. Coriz was appointed Chief of Police and in 1965, Chief Coritz organized a full-time police department. The town’s first police car was purchased that year. As full-time officers were hired, the town secured a building on Ruscitti Road to use as Police Headquarters.
By 1970 the department had outgrown this building and moved into a store front in the Antonelli Building on Windsor Highway. Police Headquarters was later moved to the old Town Hall building at 244 Union Avenue. In 1976 Town Supervisor William Larkin relocated the Police Department to Building 708 at Stewart International Airport.
Chief Coritz continued to lead the department. He built up a staff of 20 full-time officers. He was also responsible for the creation of the first detective position in the department. He retired in 1982 after 30 years of dedicated service.
In 1982, Chief Coritz was succeeded by Sergeant Dominick D‘Egidio who remained in command until 1984. He retired in 1986 after serving as a full-time police officer for over 20 years. In 1984 Walter Koury was promoted to chief of the department.
In 1991 former New Windsor Police Sergeant George Green was the Town Supervisor. He and Chief Walter Koury were responsible for the development of the town's new Police/Court facility at 555 Union Avenue. The Police Department moved into its new headquarters in May of that year.
Chief Koury remained in command of the department until his retirement in 2004. He was succeeded by the following chiefs:
Michael Biasotti 2004-2015
Richard Hovey 2015-2018
Robert Doss 2018-2023
Chief Daniel Valeri is the current chief of the department. Commenting on the anniversary he stated, “As we celebrate 60 years of service, I am immensely proud of the enduring legacy of leadership, professionalism, and innovation that defines this department. From our earliest days to the present, we have embraced progress—adopting cutting-edge technology, advancing training, and building strong community relationships. But it is the unwavering dedication and pride of our personnel that truly sets us apart. Together, we honor the past, serve the present, and shape the future with integrity and purpose.”
The New Windsor Police Department has a proud history of excellence and professionalism. It has been a New York State Accredited Agency since 1996. Chief Koury and all chiefs following are graduates of the FBI National Academy. The department as grown to include up to 50 sworn members including eight detectives. Specialized units include a traffic safety unit, accident reconstruction unit, UAS unit, motorcycle unit, K-9 unit, bicycle patrol unit, community policing unit, firearms training unit, and an honor guard. Specially trained officers fulfill roles as drug recognition experts and a school safety officer.
The department’s communications division dispatches police, fire and EMS and are available 24 hours a day. They are staffed by nine full-time and six part-time dispatchers. Other non-sworn personnel include, one administrative assistant to the Chief of Police, two full-time and one part-time clerks who manage the department’s records and a part-time custodian who keeps the facilities in top shape.
PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE #20-12 Issued on: 11/03/20 @ 11:00 a.m. Man Arrested for Stealing a Car and for Stealing Items out of Parked Vehicles
New Windsor Police arrested a man yesterday after being alerted that he had been seen rummaging through a parked car on Continental Drive at 3:30 a.m. in the morning. The man had run off after realizing the owner of the car may have saw him. Officer Christopher Deets located the man running through a nearby yard on Cannon Drive attempting to flee the area. After a foot pursuit, Officer Deets was able to arrest the man and recover much of the property that had been stolen, including keys to a car that he had stolen just hours before. The man was also found to be wearing a jacket that he had stolen the night before from a car on Canterbury Lane. Officers were able to locate the stolen vehicle nearby and recover it for the owner.
Further investigation by New Windsor Police Detectives linked this same man to at least 10 additional thefts from vehicles that occurred during the overnight hours from October 31, 2020 – November 2, 2020 on the following streets in New Windsor: Rt 9W, Forge Hill Road, Sloop Hill Road, Canterbury Lane, Continental Drive and Provost Drive. Additionally, he was identified as the perpetrator in similar incidents that occurred on Daniher Avenue during the overnight hours of October 10, 2020 and on Lafayette Drive during the overnight hours of August 1, 2020.
Arrested was: Gustavo G. Rosa, 30 years old of Newburgh, New York. He was charged with Grand Larceny of a Motor Vehicle 4th degree (1 count) and Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 4th degree (2 counts), all felonies. He was arraigned by Judge Nancy Brenner-DeAngelo of the Town of Warwick Court and sent to Orange County Jail with no bail, because he qualifies as a persistent felony offender. More criminal charges are expected to be lodged against Mr. Rosa as additional incidents are investigated.
All of the vehicles involved, including the car that was stolen, had been left unlocked by their owners. Additionally, the car that was stolen had its keys in it at the time of the crime. The Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in helping prevent these types of crimes from occurring by locking your car and by removing any valuables from inside it.
Anyone with additional information regarding these crimes can contact Detective John Vasta of the New Windsor Police Department at (845)563-4680.
A criminal charge is merely an allegation that a defendant has committed a violation of the criminal law, and it is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the State of New York’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Orange County News For Immediate Release Contact: Christopher Borek November 6, 2020 845.291.3276, 845.238.4245c
District Attorney Hoovler Announces Murder Charges
In Death of Missing City of Newburgh Woman
Man Indicted for Murdering 36-Year-Old Woman
Victim Missing Since November 3, 2019
Body of Victim Not Recovered
Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced on Friday, November 6, 2020, that Matthew Mercado, 37, of Newburgh, was arraigned before Orange County Court Judge William L. DeProspo on charges including Murder in the Second Degree, in connection with the death of 36-year-old Jessica Lopez, a City of Newburgh woman who was last seen on November 3, 2019, at the Windsor Motel in the Town of New Windsor.
Mercado had previously been indicted on charges including Burglary in the Second Degree for breaking into room 32 of the Windsor Motel on November 3, 2019, at about 1:35 AM, and stealing two bags from the three young woman who had been sleeping in the room at the time. Mercado has been continually incarcerated since his arrest on November 6, 2019, in connection with those charges. The District Attorney’s Office superseded that case in the Grand Jury and asked the Grand Jury to consider additional evidence concerning the disappearance of Jessica Lopez, who had been staying with Mercado in room 33 of the Windsor Motel the night of Saturday, November 2, 2019, into the morning of Sunday, November 3, 2019. The Grand Jury indicted Mercado for Murder in the Second Degree for intentionally killing Jessica Lopez in room 33 of the motel as Ms. Lopez was attempting to leave the motel at approximately 5:00 AM on November 3, 2019. The Grand Jury also indicted Mercado for a separate count of Murder in the Second Degree for having killed Ms. Lopez during the commission of a robbery or kidnapping of her. Robbery under the law is forcibly stealing property. Mercado is charged with two counts of Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree for having stolen Ms. Lopez bank card and stealing approximately $1,500 from her account, most of which was taken out in ATM withdrawals starting at approximately 9:00 AM on November 3, 2019.
Mercado is also charged with three felony counts of Tampering with Physical Evidence. One count alleges that he removed Ms. Lopez’s body from room 33, placed her in the trunk of her car, drove the car to an unknown location and concealed the body. Another count alleges that he deleted text messages between her cellular telephone and his cellular telephone, messages that were sent at about 5:30 AM on November 3, 2019. The third count of Tampering with Physical Evidence alleges that he disposed of Ms. Lopez’s cellular telephone so it could not be used as evidence.
The Grand Jury indicted Mercado again for Burglary in the Second Degree for breaking into room 32 and stealing bags from the three young woman, and added a charge of Criminal Impersonation in the Second Degree for Mercado having told the three young woman that he would not give their bags back and that he was an undercover police officer.
Bail was set in the amount of one-million dollars cash, or three-million dollars secured bond, or ten-million dollars partially secured bond. The case is next scheduled for a virtual conference in County Court on December 2, 2020. Mercado faces up to twenty-five years to life in state prison on the charges of Murder in the Second Degree and up to an additional fifteen years in state prison on the charge of Burglary in the Second Degree.
District Attorney Hoovler highly commended the Town of New Windsor Police Department for their investigation and unceasing efforts in the case, as well as the many law enforcement agencies that aided in the investigation, including the Town of Newburgh Police Department, the City of Newburgh Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Police, and the New York State Police, as well as the civilian volunteers who have searched for Jessica Lopez.
“By all accounts Jessica Lopez was a remarkable young woman and her loss is being severely felt by her family, friends, and many of her former students,” said District Attorney David M. Hoovler. “While recovering her remains will continue to be a high priority for us, we are fully prepared to litigate this case even without her body being recovered. Murder convictions without bodies are permissible under the law and in fact such convictions have occurred before here in Orange County. My heartfelt condolences go out to Ms. Lopez’s family, and my office will do everything in our power to see that the person responsible for her death faces just punishment.”
Chief Robert Doss of the Town of New Windsor Police Department said, “I would like to thank every member of the New Windsor Police Department that worked so diligently on this investigation. It is because of their hard work, along with the assistance of all the other police agencies, that made a difference in this case. I also want to thank District Attorney David Hoovler and his staff for their unwavering support through the process. We will never forget the family of Jessica Lopez, who have been without her in their lives for over a year now. Her mother, father and brother, all live with the constant pain of her loss. I speak for every member of Law Enforcement that worked on this investigation when I say that we stand with them and we will continue to fight for Jessica every day until justice is brought in this case. Our hearts go out to her family and we will continue to pray for them. It is my hope that the news of this indictment will at least begin the process of closure to Jessica’s family and everyone that knew her.”
The case is being prosecuted by Chief Assistant District Attorney Christopher Borek and Senior Assistant District Attorney Kelle Grimmer.
Jessica Lopez
District Attorney Hoovler: Cornelius Stubbs Guilty of All Counts After Month-Long Jury Trial
Newburgh Man Guilty of Murder in the First Degree for Killing of a Woman in New Windsor
Co-Defendant Previously Pled Guilty to All Charges Against Him
Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced that on Tuesday, May 24, 2022, Cornelius Stubbs, age 50, of Newburgh, was convicted following a jury trial in the Orange County Court of all charges against him including Murder in the First Degree. Stubbs faces a maximum sentence of life in state prison without parole when he is sentenced on September 20, 2022. Stubbs’s co-defendant in the case, Carlos Rivera, age 49, also of Newburgh, pled guilty to all counts he was facing, including Murder in the First Degree, during the jury selection phase of the trial on May 2, 2022. Rivera is expected to be sentenced to thirty years to life in state prison when he is sentenced on August 22, 2022.
The charges in the case stem from the September 2019 shooting death of a twenty-one-year-old female college student inside a New Windsor residence. The deceased woman was in the apartment visiting her boyfriend, who is the brother of the mother of one of Stubbs’ children. The indictment also charged Stubbs with a pattern of harassment of that same mother, as well as her family.
At trial, Stubbs was convicted of Murder in the First Degree, two counts of Attempted Murder in the First Degree, Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, Burglary in the First Degree, Assault in the First Degree, and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, for having broken into the brother’s New Windsor apartment, shooting the brother, and fatally shooting his girlfriend. The brother was seriously injured in the attack.
Stubbs was also convicted of ten counts of Criminal Contempt in the First Degree, Coercion in the First Degree, eight counts of Criminal Contempt in the Second Degree, three counts of Aggravated Harassment in the Second Degree, and two counts of Harassment in the Second Degree, for having repeatedly threatened and harassed the mother of his child, as well as her brother.
District Attorney Hoovler thanked the Town of New Windsor Police Department and New York State Police for their investigation and the arrest of the defendants, as well the City of Newburgh Police Department who aided in the investigation.
“The horrific tragedy perpetrated by these defendants stands as a stark reminder of the dangers that escalating domestic and intimate partner violence can pose not only to those who had been directly involved in a relationship with an offender, but to others as well,” said District Attorney David Hoovler. “This case has not only affected the victims and their families but has cast a long shadow over the community. I hope that this verdict will bring some measure of closure to the family and loved ones of the victims who have suffered such unimaginable grief. I highly commend Senior Assistant District Attorney David Byrne, who has been a prosecutor for over twenty years, for working tirelessly to see that these violent felons were brought to justice.”
District Attorney Hoovler highly commended Senior Assistant District Attorney David Byrne and Assistant District Attorney Michael Roche who prosecuted the case.
A criminal charge is merely an allegation by the police that a defendant has committed a violation of the criminal law, and it is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the State of New York’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.