Megan Coleman anchors the 5:00p, 5:30p, and 6:00p newcasts on WSTM/NBC and serves as News Content Manager for the CNY Central media group.
UTICA, ONEIDA CO. -- A serial rapist suspected of raping and murdering a local motel owner was arraigned on multiple charges Wednesday morning in Oneida County Court. That's according to our affiliate WKTV-TV in Utica.
Robert Blainey is charged with murder, rape, robbery, burglary criminal trespass and grand larceny. Authorities were searching for him in October when he skipped out on his parole.
A few weeks later, 68-year-old Linda Turner was found murdered at the Davis Motel, which she owned. Blainey was eventually caught in Pennsylvania in Turner's car and was later charged with her murder.
When he was arrested, Blainey looked much different than the previous mug shot authorities were using to look for him. That has sparked Senator Charles Schumer (D, New York) to push for a federal law that would require authorities in all 50 states to take pictures of level three sex offenders every three months.
At his arraignment, Blainey reportedly pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.