Hudson Valley, NY – Over 13 years have passed since a tragic shooting claimed the life of David Perry Jr., a beloved father and community member in the City of Newburgh, yet the case remains unsolved. Perry was fatally shot shortly after dropping off his daughter at her mother’s home, and his family continues to yearn for justice while the perpetrator remains at large.
A Heartbreaking Cold Case That Still Haunts Hudson Valley
On the evening of August 19, 2012, at approximately 8:50 p.m., David Perry Jr., age 32, was shot along Chambers Street in Newburgh, moments after ensuring his daughter was safely dropped off. Perry was with two friends when gunfire erupted; all three men were shot. Tragically, Perry succumbed to his injuries, while the other two survived.
The shooter fled the scene, and despite police investigations, the attacker has never been identified, leaving a painful void for Perry’s family and community.
“It has now been 13 years. 13 years a daughter has been without her father. 13 years the family and friends have gone without answers or justice. 13 years a killer has roamed free,” noted Hudson Valley Cold Cases and Missing People on Facebook recently.
Remembering David Perry Jr.: A Gentle Soul Taken Too Soon
Perry was more than a victim; he was a cherished member of the Hudson Valley community. A 1999 graduate of Newburgh Free Academy, he quickly began working at IBM and, at the time of his death, managed the New Windsor Dollar General store. Friends describe him as “kind with a gentle soul,” highlighting the deep loss felt by family and friends alike.
Ongoing Investigation and a Call for Community Support
The City of Newburgh Police Department exercised exhaustive efforts, yet the case remains open with no suspects or motives identified. There were no prior known altercations involving Perry or the other victims before the shooting.
Authorities urge anyone with information to step forward and assist in bringing closure to this decade-long cold case. Tips can be reported directly and anonymously to Newburgh Detectives at (845) 569-7510.
Broader Context: New York’s Unsolved Cold Cases of Murdered Children
The case of David Perry is also a sobering reminder of the numerous unresolved cold cases across New York State, particularly involving children. Law enforcement agencies continue to seek the public’s help in cracking cases including the murders and disappearances of:
- Wanda Lee Walkowicz (11 years old, Rochester, 1973)
- Edward “Mitt” Croley (14 years old, Albany, 1991)
- Robert S. Gutkaiss (15 years old, Stephentown, 1983)
- Jennifer M. Hammond (18 years old, Ballston Spa, 2003)
- Katherine Kolodziej (17 years old, Cobleskill, 1974)
- Joanne Ena Lynn (11 years old, Hemlock, 1949)
- Kimberly Simon (Marcy, 1985)
Each case remains critical and unresolved, with contact information provided to encourage citizens to report any relevant information to the appropriate New York State Police units.
A Community United in the Pursuit of Justice
The lingering pain of this unsolved murder has galvanized parts of the Hudson Valley community to advocate for renewed attention and resources for cold cases like Perry’s. The persistent hope is that through collective effort and community engagement, justice will eventually be delivered.
For more detailed information and ongoing updates on this case and other cold cases in New York, including contact details for law enforcement, visit the original news source.
Key Facts and How You Can Help
- Incident Date: August 19, 2012
- Victim: David Perry Jr., 32, Newburgh resident and father
- Location: Chambers Street, Newburgh, NY
- Status: Shooter unidentified and at large
- Police Contact: Newburgh Detectives at (845) 569-7510 (anonymous tips accepted)
“Community involvement is crucial. Anyone who knows anything, no matter how small, can help solve these heartbreaking crimes and bring peace to families left behind.” — Hudson Valley Cold Cases and Missing People
What do you think about this cold case? Have you or someone you know lived in Hudson Valley around this time? Share your thoughts or any information in the comments below!
