Deputy Kurt Wyman
/ photo: OCSO
UTICA -- After a tragic day in which a beloved police officer was killed in the line of duty, some good news has come to a Central New York family.
The Oneida County Sheriff’s Office has announced on behalf of the Wyman family the birth of Adyson Jynnette Wyman. She is the daughter of Lauren and Kurt Wyman, the deputy who was killed in the line of duty early Tuesday morning.
Matt's Memo blog about two Addyson's being born. Two fathers. Two heroes.
In a statement to the media, the family of Deputy Wyman said "We would like to express our greatest appreciation to our extended family, friends and the community along with the Oneida County Sheriff's Office, his fellow Marines and all other law enforcement agencies. We would also like to acknowledge the wonderful care and sensitivity of all the hospital staff who were involved. Our loving heavenly Father is sustaining us with the knowledge that he works all things together for good for those who love the Lord (Roman 8:28). The family requests that you would respect our privacy during this time."
24-year-old Deputy Kurt Wyman was shot and killed while taking part in a standoff with 41-year-old Chris Patterson at Patterson’s home in the Town of Augusta. Patterson had allegedly threatened to harm both himself and his girlfriend when police attempted to take him into custody. Wyman was killed by a single shotgun round to the chest.
Oneida County District Attorney Scott McNamara says his office is pursuing aggravated murder charges against Patterson, and will seek a sentence of life in prison without parole. McNamara says Patterson is in critical condition after receiving several gunshot wounds from police, but says he is stabilized. Patterson had surgery Tuesday for internal injuries, and again Wednesday for injuries to his arm and hand. McNamara says Patterson is out of surgery, on a ventilator, and in a medically-induced coma at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Utica.
McNamara says charges have not been formally filed against Patterson, simply because of his current medical state. McNamara has to wait for clearance from hospital officials before her can proceed with the criminal case.
Forensic investigators were at the crime scene again Wednesday at 5488 Knoxboro Road, but there is no timetable on when their work will conclude. McNamara says there is no motive for the incident other than a domestic dispute, and Patterson was "distraught" over his relationship with his girlfriend. McNamara says according to their records, Patterson had no criminal history.
In addition to his wife and newborn daughter, Deputy Wyman leaves behind an 18-month-old son. He was a decorated police officer, and also a corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves. He saw military action in Iraq.
A Facebook page has been set up as a memorial to Deputy Wyman. You can click here to leave a message to the family. You can also express your condolences on our CNY Central Facebook page by clicking here.
