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Clayton Whittemore indicted by grand jury in death of Alexandra Kogut

By WKTV News

Story Created: Oct 16, 2012 at 5:22 PM EDT

Story Updated: Oct 16, 2012 at 5:22 PM EDT

MONROE COUNTY, N.Y. - A Monroe County Grand Jury has indicted Clayton Whittemore, 21, of New Hartford, in the death of his girlfriend, Alexandra Kogut, 18, also of New Hartford.

Kogut, a freshman SUNY Brockport, was found brutally murdered in her campus dorm room in the early morning hours of September 29 after she failed to answer phone calls from family members. Her boyfriend, Whittemore, was apprehended by New York State Police hours later at a Thruway rest stop near Syracuse.

Whittemore has been charged with one count of second-degree murder.

As a mother of two daughters myself, I understand well the constant anxiety that a parent experiences when a child leaves home for the first time. I can only imagine, however, the horror of having your worst fears realized in such a brutal fashion," said Monroe County District Attorney Sandra Doorley. "Clayton Whittemore's alleged actions took the life of a very special young woman, and while nothing I can do will bring Alexandra back to the many people who loved her, I can work to ensure that the cause of justice is served and that some measure of closure is given to her grieving family."

Whittemore is being held without bail in the Monroe County jail awaiting arraignment. If convicted, he faces up to 25 years to life in prison.

His next court date is expected to be scheduled in the next 48 hours.

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