City Man Arrested and Charged with Murder in Utica

Utica, N.Y. – Saturday

Utica police authorities have apprehended a 25-year-old man from the city and formally charged him with murder on Saturday. The arrest came after an alarming incident that prompted police intervention at an address located on the 100 block of Eagle Street.

Responding to a call reporting possible blood leaking from the ceiling, Utica police units swiftly arrived at the scene. Upon investigation, officers identified the individual they detained as Colton Shaffer.

Upon speaking with the original caller, officers confirmed the presence of blood dripping from the ceiling to the floor. Acting on this discovery, the officers proceeded to the apartment above to conduct a welfare check on the individuals residing there.

Upon reaching the apartment, the officers knocked on the door and announced themselves. Shortly after, a man covered in blood emerged from the apartment. He immediately locked the door behind him and approached the officers, who promptly detained him due to the nature of the call. Subsequently, the officers were compelled to enter the apartment to ensure the safety of its occupants.

Upon entering, the officers were confronted with a distressing sight – a large pool of blood and what appeared to be traces of something being dragged throughout the apartment. Following this ominous trail, they entered the bathroom, where they discovered a deceased male in the bathtub. The Utica Fire Department was called to the scene and declared the male deceased.

Following the discovery, the officers left the apartment and summoned the Major Crimes Unit and Crime Scene Unit to conduct a thorough investigation. Upon processing the scene, it was revealed that the victim had sustained multiple gunshot wounds, stab wounds, and other injuries during the incident. Currently, the victim’s identity is being withheld pending notification of family members.

Colton Shaffer has been formally charged with second-degree murder, criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, and criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree. The possibility of additional charges is being considered, pending consultation with the District Attorney’s Office.