John Filiberti expressed thanks to law enforcement and the smallest bit of relief. For five months he has been mourning over the murder of his daughter, Kathryn Filiberti. The 18-year-old was found dead in a park last March in a crime that sent shockwaves through the small Dutchess County community.
Authorities have arrested Stephen Shand, who they say strangled Filiberti to death. Shand is a newspaper delivery person for the Poughkeepsie Journal.
Police say the 23-year old suspect was driving his route in the early morning hours when he came across the victim who had left a party on foot. Shand was picked up by detectives at his house on Wednesday after completing his route. His car has been impounded.
In court documents, prosecutors claim there is forensic evidence linking Shand to the crime, and that he made statements to detectives about his involvement.
If there's a sense of doubt it's because much of the case was shrouded in secrecy. Police were criticized over the lack of information. Filiberti was romantically involved with a town police officer, which spawned rumors and rampant speculation.
