COCHECTON – A 76-year-old Cochecton is in the Sullivan County Jail without bail charged with murder in connection with a fatal shooting early Sunday morning.
Sullivan County Undersheriff Eric Chaboty said John McArdle was charged with murder, and five counts of criminal possession of a weapon – four counts because he had a prior felony conviction.
Chaboty said McArdle is alleged to have exited his residence at 449 Skipperene Road in the Town of Cochecton around 1:05 a.m. while armed with a rifle and shot the victim, Anthony Bertolini, 40, through the windshield of a car in which he was sitting. He had stopped by the home to visit McArdle’s daughter when the incident happened.
Bertolini was pronounced dead at the scene by County Coroner Michael Speer.
Acting District Attorney Meagan Galligan prepared a search warrant that was executed later in the day during which three rifles and a handgun were recovered from the scene.
McArdle was arraigned via video Internet link by County Court Judge James Farrell with defense attorney Scott Russell in attendance.
Chaboty said the motive for the shooting remains under investigation.
Sheriff Michael Schiff said State Police BCI and uniformed officers, State Police Forensic Investigation Unit and the District Attorney’s Office assisted in the investigation.
The sheriff said this was an isolated incident involving only the people at that residence and that the public was not in any danger.
After the shooting, deputies interviewed the woman and then attempted to make contact with two men inside the home. Initially they refused, but eventually complied.
