A Rochester Police Department captain and Perry Cop who last
year told police he accidentally shot his son in a Herkimer County motel room
has been indicted on murder charges.
Michael Leach, 59, of Rochester, was charged Wednesday with
second-degree murder and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, both
felonies, according to Herkimer County Court records. Leach pleaded not guilty
to after an indictment was unsealed Wednesday morning in Herkimer County Court.
Leach is accused of killing his son Matthew S. Leach, 37,
just before 1 a.m. July 21, 2012, as the younger Leach returned to the motel
room in Old Forge, according to New York State Police. Emergency responders
went to the Clark Beach Motel room after the elder Leach called 911 to say he
shot what he thought was an intruder.
Michael Leach, who was a part-time cop in Perry, Wyoming
County, when the shooting occurred, is accused of shooting his son with his
department issued-handgun, troopers said.
Perry Village Police Department officials said Michael
Leach's status remains unchanged, "he is under suspension by the village
board," according to a statement from Perry Police Chief James Case.
Michael Leach is the son of former Rochester Police Chief
Delmar Leach, who served from 1981-85.
Michael Leach was remanded to the Herkimer County Jail in
lieu of $200,000 cash bail or bond. He is expected to return to court on April
5.
Further details of the charges were not released