www.news10now.com

Man charged in Cape Vincent murder
Updated 05/22/2011 04:04 PM
By: Amanda Kelley

The Village of Cape Vincent hasn't dealt with a murder in years but that all changed late Saturday night. One woman was found stabbed to death inside her home, another seriously injured. Our Amanda Kelley has the latest on the investigation and the man who's now facing charges.

CAPE VINCENT, N.Y. -- The small Village of Cape Vincent woke up to the unbelievable news Sunday morning. Mary Burkman, 51, had been fatally stabbed in her home on South Real Street just before midnight.

Her daughter, Amber Englebert, 21, was also stabbed in the incident. She managed to dial 911 and was rushed to the hospital. State Police's investigation led them to Mikel Odle, 20.

Jefferson County District Attorney Cindy Intschert said, "It's my understanding that they were known to each other. At this time I'm not going to comment further."

Odle was arrested after a brief chase. Police say he fled the scene, and took an 11-month-old child with him, but was taken into custody after crashing on Route 12 E in the village of Chaumont. State Police aren't saying if Odle is the child's father.

Mikel Odle
Mikel Odle

Odle was arraigned at the Town of Watertown Court Sunday facing a slew of charges including both murder and attempted murder in the second degree.

Intschert said, "He's also been accused of a number of vehicle and traffic infractions as well as unlawfully fleeing a police officer, reckless driving and reckless endangerment."

The 11-month-old was air-lifted to Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse and is expected to recover from the crash. Court papers show the infant was not secured in a car seat during the chase, which reached speeds up to 90 miles per hour.

Amber Englebert underwent surgery at Samaritan Medical Center for her stab wounds and is critical but stable condition.

Troopers and the District Attorney's Office continue to work to find answers.

Intschert said, "This is certainly a case that we take very, very seriously and we will be looking for the appropriate punishment absolutely."

Odle will be back in court this Thursday for a preliminary hearing. He requested a public defender at his arraignment Sunday afternoon.




Copyright ©2009 TWEAN News Channel of Syracuse, LLC, d/b/a News 10 Now.