UPDATED: The Tioga County father who allegedly killed his 8-month-old girl, Ruby, on Sunday, pleaded not guilty in Town of Tioga court today (Wednesday). 25-year-old Cody A. Franciscovich is charged with first-degree murder. He was immediately returned to the Tioga County jail to await a felony hearing Friday in Town of Tioga Court to determine if the case should go to a grand jury to seek a first-degree murder indictment. Tioga County District Attorney Kirk Martin says Franciscovich remains behind bars without bail as a matter of law.
New York State Police Capt. Scott Heggelke says the investigation into the murder continues. He doesn’t believe there are other suspects, but he’ll wait until the investigation is complete. A conviction for first-degree murder in New York state is life in prison.
State Police said Ruby was killed Sunday in St. Patrick’s Cemetery on Route 17C in the Town of Tioga. State Police found her body in a nearby pond. A motive and other details about the killing have not been released.
CANDLELIGHT VIGIL ON MONDAY
The community outreach for Ruby and her family has been extensive since the death was first reported by New York State Police in a news release at 4:43 p.m. Sunday.
A candlelight vigil to honor 8-month old Ruby Franciscovich has been planned for Monday, June 17 starting at 8pm at St. Patrick’s Cemetery on Route 17C in the Town of Tioga.
Attendees are asked to wear red in honor of Ruby.
— Reporting by Michael Baldwin
