Fiancee indicted in missing kayaker's death, was beneficiary of insurance policy

CORNWALL-ON-HUDSON, N.Y. (WABC) -- A New York woman who police say killed her fiance during a kayaking trip was indicted on second-degree murder charges Wednesday.

Bail was set at $3 million for Angelika Graswald, who prosecutors say was beneficiary of 46-year-old Vincent Viafore's life insurance policy.

State police said inconsistencies in Graswald's statements led to her arrest.

On Facebook, the two appeared to be a happy couple, in a loving embrace overlooking the Hudson Valley, living and loving, always together.

When Viafore disappeared in what Graswalk initially claimed was a kayaking accident, she told her woeful story to reporters.

"I saw him struggling a little bit, he was trying to figure out how to paddle the waves, because they were getting crazy," she said. "And then I just saw him flip."

As state police searched the Hudson River near Cornwall for Viafore's body, Graswald took to Facebook.

"I miss you my love," she wrote. "If only I could have paddled harder."

"Please keep your prayers for Vince, miracles are possible," another post read.

It was, police say, all an elaborate ruse.

"From the very beginning, there were some minor inconsistencies," a police officer said.

According to prosecutors, Graswald made the following statements to state police:

"She stated that she tampered with the victim's kayak. She knew taking those actions would make it difficult for him for him to kayak that day and that those actions would contribute to his death."

"She further stated that she watched him go underwater and she rendered him no assistance. While she witnessed him struggling for his life, she stated she felt a sense of happiness and relief. The defendant said it felt good knowing he was going to die. She stated she wanted him dead. She felt trapped and this was her only way out."

Eyewitness News learned that last Friday, Graswald and some friends went to the Shadows on the Hudson restaurant and bar, drinking while a band was playing, and holding what appeared to be a memorial service for Viafore.

Employees of the restaurant have been told not to talk with the media because it's an ongoing police investigation, but Travis Schifko was playing in the band that night.

"I just heard that they were having a remembrance party at the bar or something that night," he said. "We're pretty upbeat."

People who know Graswald said they just can't believe she's charged with murder.

"She's a very sweet girl," friend Barbara Gottlock said. "As long as I've known her, she's very energetic, very happy-go-lucky, you know, just a really nice person."

Graswald originally told troopers she and Viafore were kayaking April 19 when his boat capsized in rough waters near the town of Cornwall-On-Hudson around 7:30 p.m.

Graswald also fell out of her own kayak and was able to contact 911. She was found in the water by a boater and rescued. Graswald was treated and released from a local hospital for hypothermia. Both kayaks were located and recovered.

The search continues for Viafore's body.