Saturday, September 25, 2010

Binghampton, NY: Guilty of Manslaughter

Binghamton, NY (WBNG Binghamton) More than a year after Katie Chappell's death, a jury finds Frank Rogers guilty of killing her.

Action News Reporter Leigh Dana spoke to the mother of the 25-year-old victim.

31 year old Frank Rogers is found guilty of manslaughter in the 1st and 2nd degree.

He was not convicted of murder, the most severe charge.

A jury did also find him guilty of aggravated criminal contempt, 11 counts of criminal contempt, assault, and 2 counts of attempted assault.

As the word guilty is read aloud 17 times inside the courtroom, Rogers shows no emotion.

Outside the courtroom, tears of victory from the victim's family.
Hugs of joy from Katie Chappell's family and friends, as they finally get closure.

Chappell's mom, Kathy Dilello, trembles in relief, "Today's Katie's day of Justice."

Just moments earlier, a jury finds 31 year old Frank Rogers guilty of beating Chappell in his East Catherine Street Apartment, slamming her head into his bedroom wall and then bringing her back to her Kneeland Avenue apartment-- leaving her to die August 12, 2009.

An autopsy concludes she died from blunt force trauma to the head and had she gotten immediate medical attention -- she could have survived.

Her body was found more than a day later by her ex-boyfriend, Fintan Fleming.

There was no doubt from Chappell's family that Rogers killed her... Knowing the history of their abusive relationship.

Chappell had an order of protection against Rogers after he broke her hand in April of 2009.

"We tried to tell her, but she didn't listen to us. We did the best we could," said Dilello.

Broome County's District Attorney, Gerald Mollen emphasizes the importance of convictions in these types of cases.

"There's another illustration, you see someone in this situation who needs help and try to help them get out because this is what can happen," said Mollen.

Rogers' parents and Defense Attorney Michael Korchak declined comment until his sentencing.

That sentencing will be on December 20th.

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