Kenol Baptiste was Arraigned on Multiple Counts of Murder and Remanded to Orange County Jail

Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced that on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, Kenol Baptise, age 30, of Middletown, was arraigned in Orange County Court on an indictment charging two counts each of Murder in the First Degree and Murder in the Second Degree.  He was remanded back to Orange County Jail without bail and is next scheduled for a conference on May 31, 2024.

As alleged in documents filed and statements made in court, on April 1, 2024 Baptiste engaged in a physical confrontation with two men in a residence in the City of Middletown.  During the confrontation, Baptiste used a knife to stab both of the other men.  One of the men walked out of the residence before collapsing.  Baptiste then left the residence and again attacked the man who collapsed outside, continuing to stab him.  Baptiste then hid the knife used and fled the scene.  Members of the City of Middletown Police immediately responded to the scene and located Baptiste in a wooded area nearby.  Both of the men died as a result of the injuries they sustained.

“The unspeakable violence allegedly perpetrated by this defendant is unsettling,” said District Attorney David M. Hoovler. “I commend the City of Middletown Police for their quick response and for the investigation which led to the arrest of the defendant.  While this indictment cannot bring back the victims to their friends and family, my Office will nonetheless pursue justice on their behalf.  We remain steadfast in our commitment to the investigation and prosecution of violent crime in Orange County.”

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Julie Mohl.

This criminal charge is merely an allegation that a defendant has committed a violation of the criminal law, and it is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the State of New York’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.