Authorities say a Corning man has been charged with second-degree murder after a woman was found unresponsive at an apartment complex in Corning early-Friday.
The investigation centered around 26-year-old Keli Collins, who was a resident of Walter Smith Terrace. She was found unresponsive at an apartment there.
When police arrived they began life-saving measures alongside city firefighters until AMR Ambulance arrived.
However, their efforts fell short and Collins died.
Police say her vehicle was stolen, and hours later, Hornell Police located the vehicle.
Brett Heffner, a 29-year-old from Corning, was taken into custody without incident. He was charged with second-degree murder.
The exact circumstances leading to Collins’ death are unclear. However, authorities did say Heffner also lived at Walter Smith Terrace.
They did not live together, but Heffner is accused of attacking Collins inside her home.
The Corning Police Department, Hornell Police Department, New York State Police, and Steuben County Sheriff’s Office were all involved in the investigation.
Hefter was arraigned in Corning City Court on Friday. He’s scheduled to be back in court on Tuesday, August 9 at 8:30 a.m.
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