A man from upstate New York has been charged with second-degree murder and attempted murder following his arrest for allegedly killing his pregnant wife and assaulting his young daughters. The incident occurred two days after Labor Day at their residence. The accused, 32-year-old Drew Garnier, is currently being held without bail in Delaware County.
According to the New York State Police, Garnier allegedly stabbed his wife, 29-year-old Samantha Garnier, who was five months pregnant, and their two daughters, aged 6 and 9, during a reported domestic dispute at their Masonville home on the night of September 4. The children, despite their injuries, have survived the attack.
The authorities have yet to disclose any potential motive behind the alleged assault, only stating that a dispute had occurred between the couple, both originally from Long Island. Further details about the suspect’s or victim’s statements at the scene have not been released by the police.
Garnier was arrested at the scene of the crime after he surrendered to the police. He was taken to a hospital for treatment of superficial wounds before being booked into jail. Samantha Garnier was pronounced dead after being airlifted to a hospital.
Images of the couple in happier times, including when Samantha was pregnant in previous years, can be found on her Facebook page. Many of these photos also feature their two young daughters, who Garnier is also accused of stabbing. The state police have stated that the girls are expected to make a full recovery and that family members from outside the area will be taking care of them.
A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to support Samantha Garnier’s 6- and 9-year-old daughters. The campaign reveals that Samantha was due to give birth to another girl in February and that she was killed two weeks before her 30th birthday.
In addition to the charges of murder and attempted murder, which could result in a prison sentence of 25 years to life if convicted, Garnier also faces felony gun charges, including the alleged possession of an AK-47. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.