NY man indicted on double murder charges

On Wednesday, April 17, Kenol Baptise, 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, Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler announced. Baptise was remanded back to Orange County Jail without bail and is next scheduled for a conference on May 31.

According to court records, on April 1, 2024, Baptiste was involved in a physical confrontation with two men in a residence in the City of Middletown. During the confrontation, Baptiste allegedly used a knife to stab both of the other men. One of the men walked out of the residence before collapsing. Baptiste then allegedly left the residence and again attacked the man who collapsed outside, continuing to stab him. Authorities claim Baptiste then hid the knife 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 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.