Teenagers charged with murder and arson

By Frances Ruth Harris
GOSHEN — Two teenagers have been charged with second-degree murder in the death of 81-year-old Helen Mills during a burglary at her home in Goshen.

Jennifer P. Molyneaux, 17, of the Town of Wallkill and Devin A. Giordano, 19, of the Village of Goshen are further alleged to have set Mills' house on fire, law enforcement officials said during an Aug. 5 press conference announcing their arrest.

Investigators believe Molyneaux and Giordano acted together to rob Mills' house for drug money.

“There is a link between illicit narcotics and violent crime,” said Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler. “It is utterly reprehensible that anyone would kill a defenseless, elderly, woman in her own bedroom," said Hoovler. "My office will hold accountable those who violently victimize defenseless citizens to get money to feed their drug habits."

On Saturday, Aug. 2, at approximately 4 a.m., the Village of Goshen Police Department and Goshen Fire Department responded to a fire at Mills’ two-story house at 84 Green Street, about 50 feet from the Heritage Trail. Firefighters discovered Mills’ badly burned body in her bedroom.

Hoovler said an autopsy "revealed reason to believe that Mills had suffered blunt force trauma wounds about her head and throat," which is "consistent with her having been beaten and strangled." The Village of Goshen Police Department then commenced an investigation assisted by the New York State Police and the Orange County Fire Investigations Unit.

Officials say the evidence shows fire accelerants were used. Accelerants were found in several locations in Mills’ residence, including in her bedroom and near her body, they said.

Molyneaux tells relatives
The police believe Molyneaux and Giordano had a relationship with Mills' grandson. Village Police Chief James Watt said the village police knew all of the young people involved.

Molyneaux talked about what happened to her relatives, who called the police, officials said. The police then obtained a warrant to search the homes of the three young people. The murder weapon is not yet known.

Does Goshen have a serious drug problem?

"All communities today have a serious drug problem," Chief Watt told The Chronicle.

Hoovler commended the Village of Goshen Police Department, the state police, and the Orange County Fire Investigations Unit for their investigation of the case.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Leah Canton and Christopher Kelly and will be presented to an Orange County Grand Jury.

Major Patrick Regan of the New York State Police and Orange County Fire Coordinator Vini Tankasali also attended the press conference, along with village Mayor Kyle Roddey and County Executive Steve Neuhaus.

Giordano and Molyneaux were arraigned in village of Goshen Court on Aug 2 in front of Judge Rory Brady, who remanded both to Orange County Jail without bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Aug. 8 at noon unless they are indicted first by a grand jury. Molyneaux is being represented by Goshen attorney Alan Joseph. Giordano is being represented by Orange County Legal Aid.

Online: Helen Mills' obituary:
http://bit.ly/1qSzuUT