Here are some stories making headlines across the Hudson Valley.
The trial continues for the Dutchess County man accused of murdering his ex-girlfriend's daughter. Paul Senecal, 38, is facing charges in the fatal stabbing of 29-year-old Melanie Chianese. She was killed at the Wappinger home she shared with her mother and young son. Prosecutors say Senecal was found competent on Monday after several psychiatric evaluations.
A New Paltz man is facing charges for allegedly sexually assaulting a 16-year-old. Detectives say Melvin Espinosa met the teen online and arranged for her to come to New Paltz last month. He's accused of sexually assaulting her in his hotel room. Espinosa was found in his home and arrested on Friday. He's in Ulster County Jail on $100,000 cash bail or $250,000 bond.
Three women are facing separate charges for trying to bring drugs into Otisville Correctional Facility - just hours apart, according to officials. Police say Teeara Thomas, from New York City, tried to bring in more than 12 ½ grams of marijuana into Otisville Correctional Facility Sunday morning. Two hours later, police say Keymani Washington, from Roosevelt, tried bringing in more than 40 grams of marijuana. At around noon Inhala James, from Queens, tried to bring in over 70 grams of marijuana among other contraband, according to authorities. All three women have been released and are due back in Mount Hope Town Court next month.