UTICA, NY — A verbal dispute escalated to fatal violence on the 100 block of Boyce Ave, leading to the arrest of James Beard, 47, of Utica. The victim, Curtis Henry, 44, of Verona, succumbed to gunshot injuries at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital.
Utica Police and Fire units initially responded to a shooting investigation, which later became a homicide case after Henry died from his injuries. Preliminary findings suggest that Beard and Henry engaged in an argument that culminated in Beard shooting Henry at least once, causing his death.
Authorities located Beard with the assistance of METRO SWAT, comprised of Utica Police, Oneida County Sheriff Office, and New Hartford Police Department. Beard was taken into custody without incident.
Beard now faces charges from the Major Crimes Unit, including Murder in the second degree and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the second degree.