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Cause of death still undetermined for VA resident found on Lewiston Road

By Howard B. Owens

A police official has confirmed that a body found near the Blockbuster location on Lewiston Road was an apparent suicide (see update below).

The victim was identified as James Maher, 27, a VA Home resident.

His family, from Mechanicville, was notified.

The official could answer no further questions and said the police department is planning a press release for Monday morning.

His body was apparently found in some shrubs near the business.

UPDATE 6:54 p.m.: Det. Pat Corona of the Batavia Police Department called a little while ago to emphasize that the police have not yet determined the cause of Mr. Maher's death. While suicide has not been ruled out, a "by the numbers" investigation has yet to arrive at a conclusive determination. There was no obvious signs of trauma, Det. Corona said. Within days, some initial facts will be available from the medical examiner, but it will take weeks (as usual) for toxicology reports to come back.


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George Richardson

Another casualty of war. Hey Scrooby do, did they aquit or do you an injustice? Expiring minds want to know. Howard never does follow up on important criminal cases like yours. But, that doesn't mean the readership doesn't care.

Nov 8, 2009, 4:55pm Permalink
deb clark

the man was a veteran probably suffering from ptsd and should be respected for what he did for his country no matter where or how he died no one should talk take this lightly or joke about his death - he has probably seen more than any of you have or ever will - and I'm sure he served his country honorably

Nov 8, 2009, 7:55pm Permalink
Karen Miconi

Touching video of the sacrifice our soldiers make for our freedom
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Nov 10, 2009, 10:03am Permalink
Tom Gilliatt

Nice video Karen, I almost went to desert storm back when it all started in Iraq myself, glad I didn't go but if I had to I would but I'm to old to rejoin now.

Nov 9, 2009, 10:18am Permalink
Peter Scrooby

Hey George,

I think Howard doe's a fine job. The man writes many articles and and content for this site. Given he is only one man.I believe he does a wonderful job. As for the justice or injustice well, Feb,01,2010 will tell. Also I would like to mention that what is not noted in the Article "Rochester man seeks trial on charge stemming from Kid Rock concert" I am also facing up to 15 days of jail time if I do not win this bench trial. Well best wishes to all interested in this story. Also I have included a link to a video that I mixed together over 2 years ago as also a tribute to the armed forces.

<embed id=VideoPlayback src=http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?docid=-3023268756784452652&hl=… style=width:400px;height:326px allowFullScreen=true allowScriptAccess=always type=application/x-shockwave-flash> </embed>

Nov 20, 2009, 4:27pm Permalink
Peter Scrooby

Answer to your question Beth is,Negative. I have not so much as heard one word from the district attorney nor was I offered any plea offer. I have been to court I believe Four separate occasions. I also should mention that I was going to represent myself and yes I know the old adage "He who is his own lawyer has a fool for a client",But I was unconstitutionally denied the right to exercise this Right by Darien Town Court Justice Gary Graber. In a most unjust move he forced me to retain counsel although I would have liked to have exercised my right of self-representing given the charge is a violation not very serious, yet serious enough to spend 15 days incarcerated. For me I believe it has come down to a matter of principle. Maybe in the beginning I would have considered some sort of compromise, but after what I believe are a plethora of legally unjust moves and violations of my rights I am willing to go the mile, sometimes there has to be a line in the sand, Sometimes things must be brought forth into the light, and sometimes there is a point that no matter how hard it is to push forward you must. If I lose I will appeal and use every legal means to pursue justice.

Regards,
Peter H. Scrooby

Nov 21, 2009, 7:47am Permalink
Beth Kinsley

I think that since it is only a violation it would be fair if they offered you an ACD (adjournment in contemplation of dismissal) and if you didn't get into trouble in 6 months, it would just go away.

Nov 21, 2009, 2:19pm Permalink
C D

I've found almost anything stemming from Darien Lake is unjust and bordering on illegal.

It's only a matter of time until the park goes bankrupt or they try screwing over the wrong person.

Nov 21, 2009, 10:05pm Permalink
Beth Kinsley

Darien Lake has definitely seen better days. This past season was a disaster for them, at least partly due to the new border policies. Very few Canadians this year.

Nov 21, 2009, 7:56pm Permalink

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