Crime & Safety
Irondequoit man charged with murder of Brighton businessman
By
IRONDEQUOIT, N.Y. — An Irondequoit man was charged with murder after a Brighton businessman was found dead outside of his home earlier this week.
Christopher Wernle was charged with second degree murder in the death of 65-year-old Edward Boucher.
According to the Brighton Police Department, the family of Boucher reported him missing on Friday.
The investigation led the Brighton police into a neighborhood on Helendale Road. “An extensive search of the area on Friday night by members of law enforcement did not immediately location Mr. Boucher but they did find his car,” Irondequoit Police Captain Mark Jesske said.
Around 3:15 p.m. on Saturday, Irondequoit Police responded to Helendale Road after “a deceased individual was located in that area.” Later, IPD said the Monroe County Medical Examiner’s Office positively identified the individual found as Boucher.
Wernle, the resident of the home where Boucher was found, was arrested and charged on Thursday.
“We are confident in saying this was not a random act. Mr. Boucher and Mr. Wernle were known to each other,” Jesske said. However police did not specify the nature of the relationship.
According to court paperwork, Wernle “did intentionally cause the death of Edward Boucher by striking the victim multiple times with a blunt object.” Officials did not provide information on a motive for the murder or what object was used.
During a press conference, officials said that because a family member of Boucher is a member of the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office, they dismissed themselves from the case and Former Victor Town Justice Tomas Reh will be handling the case.
“We certainly don’t have a conclusive weapon at this particular point although based on the injuries we do have confidence that it was a blunt object that was used that ultimately led to the death of Mr. Boucher,” Reh said.
Wernle was arraigned on Thursday and was remanded to Monroe County Jail without bail. His next court appearance is Wednesday, May 26.
-
Local News2 weeks agoBoaters can view solar eclipses safely with the guidance provided by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office
-
Local News2 weeks agoGannett should provide D&C journalists with more compensation and job security
-
New York1 week agoIn advance of the total solar eclipse, Governor Hochul provides safety advice
-
Local News2 weeks agoPolice in Rochester preparing for anticipated traffic jams on April 8
-
Local News2 weeks agoRochester hospitals make emergency plans in anticipation of the solar eclipse
-
Local News1 week agoHotels in the Rochester region ready for surge of eclipse fans
-
Local News1 week agoFollowing an ATV accident, a man was rescued from Flint Creek
-
Local News1 week agoA total solar eclipse brings families together from all across the nation