KINGSTON, NY—Joseph Karolys, age 39, of Saugerties, was convicted of Manslaughter in the First Degree, Assault in the First Degree, and Tampering with Physical Evidence following a two-week jury trial before the Honorable Bryan Rounds. The manslaughter and assault convictions carry a sentence of up to twenty-five years in State Prison. The jury began their deliberations at 11 a.m. and reached their verdict at 1:00 p.m.; the verdict was announced in court at 1:40 p.m.
On October 29, 2022, Joseph Karolys, David “Mickey” Myer, and Michael Cummins were driven home by Joseph Karolys, Jr., following a Halloween party at a Greene County Bar. David “Mickey” Myer’s beaten body was found the next day on the side of Route 32 in Saugerties. The ensuing investigation of the homicide was conducted by the Saugerties Police Department with assistance from the New York State Police.
The People’s case established that Karolys had kicked Mickey Myer in the head and taken steps to conceal the crime, including burning the boot used for the killing in his wood stove. Karolys and Cummins then spent several days moving around the Lake George area, ultimately leading to Cummins turning himself in to law enforcement officials to cover for the defendant. Eventually Cummins cooperated with the prosecution and revealed information previously unknown in the case. The joint investigation by New York State Police and Saugerties Police revealed Mickey Myer’s blood in the Karolys truck and in the Karolys home, as well as on the floor mats at their home that also contained Myer’s DNA.
The case was presented to the Grand Jury and Karolys was indicted in February 2023; he was remanded to the Ulster County Jail and his several attempts for bail failed.
Saugerties Police Department Chief Robert Nuzzo said, “This verdict is the result of a tremendous amount of hard work and once again demonstrates the great cooperation between the law enforcement agencies involved. Hopefully it brings some comfort to the family of David “Mickey” Myer.”
New York State Police Troop F Bureau of Criminal Investigations Captain Joseph Kolek said, “This investigation and subsequent conviction of Joseph E. Karolys are evidence of the commitment we share with our law enforcement partners to hold violent criminals accountable for their actions. We send our deepest sympathies to the loved ones of Mickey Myer and we hope this convictions brings them some measure of solace.”
District Attorney Emmanuel C. Nneji commented, “There is no more serious crime than that which involves the taking of another person’s life. The crime scene photo of Mickey Myer’s lifeless body on the side of Route 32, as though he was roadkill, and that his life was disposable, has stayed with me since I first saw it. Today’s verdict speaks to Mickey Myer’s family and loved ones in Saugerties and surrounding areas. Joseph Karolys has found out today that no human being is disposable or expendable.”
The case is being prosecuted by District Attorney Emmanuel C. Nneji and Assistant District Attorney Kristen Druse, who also supervises the Gun Violence Unit. Joseph Karolys is represented by defense attorneys Carol Morgan and William Pretsch.
Sentencing is scheduled for October 1, 2024.
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