POUGHKEEPSIE – Paul Senecal, 38, was convicted of the murder of 29-year-old Melanie Chianese by a jury on Friday afternoon. Senecal, facing life in prison, was escorted from the courtroom before the jury announced the verdict due to an outburst. Prior to the jury entering the courtroom, Dutchess County Court Judge Edward McLoughlin had told Senecal that he was not to have an outburst of any type, which he disobeyed.
Moments after the jury was brought in at 2:35 p.m. and settled in, Senecal turned and yelled to the victim’s mother Cheryl, his ex-girlfriend, that he still loved her. Judge McLoughlin was ordering Senecal removed at the same time the NYS Court and Dutchess County Sheriff’s corrections officers were leaping into action to restrain and remove him.
Once removed, Senecal was able to watch and hear as the jury foreperson pronounced him guilty of murder, burglary, and criminal contempt charges. Sentencing is tentatively scheduled for April 10, 2023. As the first guilty verdict for murder was announced, Cheryl Chianese broke down in tears and was sobbing, surrounded by friends and family.
After the jury announced the verdict, Judge McLoughlin took a moment to thank them for their service and said “Our system of justice depends on you,” while telling them they participated in “high service.” The judge then went on to compliment the prosecutors and defense attorneys for their efforts in what he described as a “very difficult” case. “All of the lawyers did a really credible job.”
The original account of the gruesome murder can be found here.
