Poughkeepsie man sentenced for murder of Long Island father 

Roy Johnson was convicted in the shooting death of Paul Kutz - the father of a Marist student.

News 12 Staff

Jun 26, 2023, 10:46 AM

Updated 466 days ago

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The man convicted in the fatal shooting of Marist College student’s father in a hotel lobby was sentenced Monday to a combined 58 ½ years to life in prison.
Roy Johnson, 36, was found guilty of killing 56-year-old Paul Kutz, of Long Island, in the lobby of the Courtyard by Marriot on Route 9 in Dutchess County.
The shooting happened on Oct. 2 while the lobby was full of parents, including Kutz, who was in town for Marist's parents’ weekend.
Several shots were fired. Johnson and another man, Devin Taylor, who pleaded guilty to weapons charges, were arrested.
Judge Edward McLoughlin gave Johnson maximum sentences on his murder, reckless endangerment and weapons charges.
Ahead of the sentencing, Paul Kutz's wife addressed the court about how this is affecting her and her three sons:
"[The] five of us simply liked being together, whether it be biking, hiking, walking the dog, playing cards, going to a baseball game or just watching TV. Because of Roy Johnson – there is now, and always will be, an unfillable hole in our hearts and in our lives."
Johnson declined to address the court before being sentenced. He has never admitted guilt, claiming the bullet that killed Kutz didn't come from him.
During last month's trial, the jury reviewed surveillance video of the terror in the hotel lobby. Referring to that video, Judge McLoughlin says Johnson clearly traumatized many people that day.
"Everybody's backing away. Staffers are ducking. Baristas who are trying to make a living running for cover – because you had your deranged tantrum."
Johnson's lawyer was hoping for a lighter sentence in part because Johnson was diagnosed with various mental conditions. The judge said there's no diagnosis for evil.
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