Edison “Eddie” Irizarry (age 52) appeared in Dutchess County Court today for his arraignment hearing before Judge Jessica Z. Segal. Eddie is accused of murdering his new roommate Casey Cuddy (age 58) last Monday night. That evening, Eddie called 911 saying that he had shot his roommate 3 times, saying that his roommate threatened him with a shotgun. When Beacon Police arrived, they found Casey Cuddy dead inside, detained Eddie, and handed the investigation over to New York State Police, since Eddie is a retired Beacon Police Officer of 17 years, retiring in 2021. The Poughkeepsie Journal reports that investigators determined that Casey was shot with a 9-millimeter semi-automatic Glock pistol. For a background on the night of the shooting, read here.

For his arraignment hearing on this Tuesday morning, Eddie was escorted in and met by Court Officers. He wore the orange jumpsuit with brown leather belt around his waist. He looked smaller, and his short hair disheveled. Representing Eddie is Public Defender Susan Mraz Mungavin.

The indictment of Murder in the Second Degree was handed over, and the plea of Not Guilty entered. Discovery material was discussed as coming from both sides, and that Discovery would be ongoing.

The Prosecutor recommended no bail be set, citing that Eddie is a flight risk and has family in Puerto Rico. Public Defender reserved application, and Judge Segal responded: “Mr Irizarry, given the nature of the charge and the potential for over 20 years in prison, I have concerns about flight risk. Remand without bail.”

Next, the Prosecutor stated that they had additional documents regarding Alibi, a demand for reciprocal Discovery and Witness List. They briefly wanted to be heard for the facts of the case.

The Judge questioned the purpose, since bail had been denied, and then set the date for the next Conference to be September 24th.

After the hearing, both newspapers reported the statement from Dutchess County District Attorney Anthony Parisi: "The allegations are both troubling and disappointing, particularly given the fact that the defendant is a former member of law enforcement."

He continued: "My thoughts are with the victim's family as they endure an incredibly painful time. While the defendant is presumed innocent under the law, we will pursue this case with the utmost diligence, fairness and integrity. Our responsibility is to the truth, to due process, and to securing justice for the victim and the community."