Christian Patterson charged with aggravated murder in death of Deputy Kurt Wyman
UTICA -- The man police say shot and killed an Oneida County Sheriff's deputy has been arraigned at his hospital bed in Utica.
Christian Patterson was arraigned at 4:30 this afternoon on a charge of aggravated murder.
Investigators say Patterson shot Deputy Kurt Wyman earlier this month after a standoff in Knoxboro. Police were originally called to the home because Patterson threatened to kill his live-in girlfriend. She escaped, but Patterson then threatened to hurt himself.
According to the sheriff's department's report, Patterson had been knocked down by a foam bullet when Deputy Wyman moved in to take him into custody. Police say Patterson then regained control of his gun and shot Wyman. Other officers then fired back, seriously wounding Patterson.
Patterson is still in St. Elizabeth Hospital in Utica, but he is in the custody of the Oneida County Sheriff's Office and being held without bail.
A felony hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, but the location is not clear. It will depend on Patterson's medication condition at the time. The aggravated murder charge could carry a sentence of life without parole.
