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Witruke Receives 20-Year Sentence

Allen Witruke

Allen Witruke, the accused suspect in the Dec. 8, 2015, beating and stabbing of Catherine Witruke and Eric Washburn, was sentenced to concurrent 20 year sentences.

The sentencing by Acting County Court Judge James Bargnesi and announced today by Chautauqua County District Attorney Patrick Swanson, comes after the 53-year-old Witruke’s plea of guilty to two counts of first-degree manslaughter.

“Today, with the family Eric and Catherine Washburn present, closure in the matter came in the form of concurrent 20 year sentences,” Swanson said.

“First and foremost, I want to thank the Jamestown Police Department, Olean Police Department and the Chautauqua County Forensic Investigation Team for their outstanding work on this case. The amount of investigation and hard work that goes into prosecuting murder cases is astronomical and each and every officer involved in this case needs to be commended.”

On Dec. 8 around 8 a.m., Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Department Civil Division entered the defendant’s home at 235 Barrows St. in the City of Jamestown to execute an eviction and discovered the bodies of Catherine Witruke and Eric Washburn. Allen Witruke had fled to a family residence in Olean before being discovered by Olean Police.

“This case was tragic and heartbreaking. As with any domestic based homicide, families are ripped apart and left devastated,” Swanson said. “We’re happy with the outcome and satisfied that the defendant accepted responsibility for his actions. Hopefully the family members of the victims can begin the healing process.”

Witruke also received 5 years post-release supervision.

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