Authorities: Proctor Teacher's Shooting Death Self-Inflicted
By: Rachel Polansky
Updated: October 2, 2012
The community was shocked to learn a Proctor teacher was found dead in
an Old Forge Motel room in late August. The New York State police and
Herkimer authorities invited the media to a conference today, regarding
the fatal shooting of Catherine Koestner.
After more than a month of investigation, authorities say Catherine Koestner died from a single self inflicted gun shot wound to the head. The autopsy reveals severe skull fractures and brain injuries from a gunshot wound to the right side of her head. Koestner was left handed which raised a number of questions in the community. But through the investigation, the district attorney says it was determined that she was capable of using her right hand. Authorities say they are still looking through evidence at this time.
"We look at different aspects of the autopsy and evidence that's left behind. Certainly an important part of that is interviewing those involved. And without the interview of the only person in the room we're not able to answer the specific questions that the family and community would like of exactly how the incident occurred," says Mark Lincoln, New York State police chief.
"It's my understanding, again we don't have the final report, it's my understanding that it's undetermined at this time," says Jeffrey Carpenter, Herkimer County district attorney.
Carpenter is referring to the autopsy which is labeled undetermined at this time. Authorities say the witness at the Old Forge Motel, Joseph Moore, was interviewed a few days after the investigation, but since then, he has hired a lawyer, and is no longer cooperating with investigators.
Whether it's accidental or intentional, authorities say the investigation is open and ongoing. But today's news is likely to offer more questions - than answers to the family and friends of Catherine Koestner. And we'll be bringing you a deeper look into this story tonight at 10 on WFXV and 11 on WUTR.
After more than a month of investigation, authorities say Catherine Koestner died from a single self inflicted gun shot wound to the head. The autopsy reveals severe skull fractures and brain injuries from a gunshot wound to the right side of her head. Koestner was left handed which raised a number of questions in the community. But through the investigation, the district attorney says it was determined that she was capable of using her right hand. Authorities say they are still looking through evidence at this time.
"We look at different aspects of the autopsy and evidence that's left behind. Certainly an important part of that is interviewing those involved. And without the interview of the only person in the room we're not able to answer the specific questions that the family and community would like of exactly how the incident occurred," says Mark Lincoln, New York State police chief.
"It's my understanding, again we don't have the final report, it's my understanding that it's undetermined at this time," says Jeffrey Carpenter, Herkimer County district attorney.
Carpenter is referring to the autopsy which is labeled undetermined at this time. Authorities say the witness at the Old Forge Motel, Joseph Moore, was interviewed a few days after the investigation, but since then, he has hired a lawyer, and is no longer cooperating with investigators.
Whether it's accidental or intentional, authorities say the investigation is open and ongoing. But today's news is likely to offer more questions - than answers to the family and friends of Catherine Koestner. And we'll be bringing you a deeper look into this story tonight at 10 on WFXV and 11 on WUTR.
