Poughkeepsie Man Accused Of Fatally Stabbing Woman

WAPPINGER, NY — A Poughkeepsie man was accused of fatally stabbing a woman in the town of Wappinger Sunday.

The Dutchess County Sheriff's Officer said Paul J. Senecal, 38, of Poughkeepsie, was charged Tuesday with second-degree murder, a felony.

Around 5:40 p.m Sunday, sheriff's deputies and the New York State Police were sent to a home on Scott Drive in the town of Wappinger for a report of a woman who had been injured.

Authorities said they found Melanie Chianese, 29, who was seriously injured with stab wounds.

She was taken to Mid-Hudson Regional Hospital where she died of her injuries.

The investigation led to Senecal, who had fled from the location, in connection with the stabbing.

He was later found in the city of Poughkeepsie where he was arrested, police said.

Law enforcement said Senecal and Chianese were known to each other, but the motive for the stabbing is still under investigation.

Senecal was arraigned in the Town of Wappinger Court and sent to the Dutchess County Jail without bail.