Poughkeepsie Shooting Leads To Attempted Murder Charge Against Teen: PD

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY — A city man accused of shooting and injuring someone in September now faces an attempted murder charge.

Police on Wednesday charged Malachi Cornwall, 19, of Poughkeepsie, with first-degree assault and two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon.

On Thursday, the Dutchess County District Attorney’s Office announced Cornwall has been arraigned on an indictment which also charges him with second-degree attempted murder.

Det. Lt. Sean McCarthy said the charges stem from a shooting on Main Street around 2:30 a.m. on Sept. 27, when one victim suffered a gunshot wound to the hip.

The victim was struck in the back, and had to undergo surgery and stay in the hospital for several days, according to the district attorney’s office.

Police found Cornwall in the area, and he was detained and brought to the police department for questioning. However, there was initially insufficient evidence to charge Cornwall, and he was released pending further investigation, according to McCarthy.

An “extensive” investigation led to Cornwall’s arrest on Wednesday, police said.

District Attorney Anthony Parisi said Thursday, “Gun violence continues to devastate too many lives across our country. When gun violence occurs in Dutchess County, my office is committed to conducting thorough investigations and ensuring those responsible are brought to justice.”

Police said the investigation remains active. Anyone with information is urged to contact the police department’s tip line at 845-451-7577. Calls may be made anonymously.

Cornwall is due back in court on Dec. 11.