(Long Island, NY) Suffolk County Police have arrested the husband of Tricia Odierna, 42, who was found dead inside her Lake Grove residence on October 1.
Fourth Precinct Patrol officers originally responded to a 911 call on Thursday, October 1 at approximately 1:50 p.m. Officers found a woman dead inside, later identified as Tricia Odierna. The cause of the death was believed to be criminal at the time.
Suffolk County Police have arrested Leitgeb, 49, of Lake Grove, for the alleged murder of his wife Tricia Odierna, 42, on October 1. Photo Credit: Chris Boyle.
Detectives developed information that Paul Leitgeb was in a hiking trail in Pawling, New York, and notified New York State Police. The State Police, with assistance from the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Department and Metro North Police, conducted an extensive search of the area.
A New York State Police Canine team located Leitgeb in the Appalachian Trail on October 6 and he injured himself in the wrist and throat. Leitgeb threatened to further harm himself and threatened the officers before New York State Troopers took him into custody. Leitgeb was transported to Mid-Hudson Regional Hospital in Poughkeepsie for treatment of his injuries.
Suffolk County Police Homicide Squad detectives charged Leitgeb, 49, of Lake Grove, with Murder 2nd Degree. He will be scheduled for arraignment upon his release from the hospital.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. Defendants are entitled to a fair trial with the burden on the prosecution to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
