Brenda McKay, accused of the 2020 murder of Gerald C. Early, a 100-year-old World War II veteran, in Corning, may face trial this spring. McKay was charged with second-degree murder for allegedly beating Early to death with a hammer in his West First Street home. The trial has been delayed for over three years, primarily due to pending reports on McKay’s psychiatric condition at the time of the incident.
Steuben County District Attorney Brooks Baker expressed frustration over the delay, citing the absence of the defense’s psychiatric report as a critical factor. The defense, led by Special Assistant Public Defender Chris Tunney, is expecting to file the report soon. Tunney acknowledged the difficulty in sourcing experts for such evaluations but assured that the report’s completion is imminent.
McKay, 54, is currently held without bail in Steuben County jail and could face 25 years to life in prison if convicted. The motive behind the attack remains undisclosed, though police noted McKay was a former employee of Early. The Steuben County Court, with Judge Chauncey J. Watches presiding, is looking to set the trial date in May.
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