The Case That Shook Putnam County

In November 1994, 12-year-old Josette Wright disappeared from her home in Putnam County, New York. Her body was discovered over a year later, bound and gagged in the woods. The case quickly became a chilling mystery, capturing the attention of the local community and law enforcement alike. For nearly three decades, the search for answers would lead to a shocking legal battle that ultimately exonerated Andrew Krivak, a man previously convicted of her murder.

The Investigation and Inconsistent Evidence

In 1996, Andrew Krivak and his best friend, Anthony DiPippo, were arrested for the crime after Krivak allegedly confessed to the murder during a long interrogation. However, many questions arose about the validity of his confession, as well as the reliability of the key witness, Denise Rose. Rose initially claimed to have seen Krivak and DiPippo with Josette before her death, but her testimony was inconsistent, with several conflicting statements over the years.

Despite this, both men were convicted in separate trials. Krivak’s conviction, however, would later unravel under the weight of new evidence and legal scrutiny.

The Retrial and Shocking Exoneration

A major breakthrough came in 2016 when Anthony DiPippo was acquitted after a third trial. Further investigation revealed the possibility of an alternative suspect, Robert Gombert, a man with a history of child sex crimes in Connecticut. This revelation led to Krivak's conviction being overturned in 2019, and he was released on bail.

In 2020, Krivak stood trial once again. This time, the jury deliberated for less than a day before returning a not guilty verdict, citing the lack of solid evidence and flawed law enforcement practices.

The Lingering Questions

Although Krivak was exonerated, the case remains an open wound for Josette Wright’s family. The true circumstances of her death continue to elude investigators, leaving the mystery unsolved. While Krivak’s supporters celebrate the verdict as justice, the real killer may still be out there.

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Gallery Credit: Matthew James

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