Oxford delays classes as police investigate teen’s death
SMITHVILLE – The Chenango County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the suspicious death of a 16-year-old Oxford girl in the Town of Smithville, following reports the incident involved a firearm.
Police responded to the incident Friday, that was initially reported to involve a death, a possible suicide, with a firearm at a home in Smithville.
Monday Chenango County Sheriff Investigators confirmed that was part of an initial call. Police declined comment if a firearm was involved, but Sherriff’s Lt. Joshua Gould said the incident was not a suicide as first reported.
“It is not a suicide,” he said.
On Saturday Chenango County Sheriff Ernest Cutting reported that at about 6:51 p.m. on Friday, May 3, police responded to 136 Water St. in the Town of Smithville and discovered the body of Amelia Wakefield from the Village of Oxford.
The victim’s body was later transported to Lourdes Hospital in Binghamton, where an autopsy will be performed.
Members of the Village of Greene Police Department, and New York State Police are also investigating.
Police contacted Saturday did not release a cause of death or any details about a gun, saying the investigation was ongoing.
Asked if officers had ruled out foul play, investigators said no arrests have been made and the death is still being investigated.
The New York State Police Forensic Investigation Unit and Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Technicians processed the scene.
The Oxford School District was on one hour delay Monday so staff can prepare for crisis counseling with students.
On Saturday Oxford Superintendent Shawn Bissetta announced the district’s delay in response to the death. He also released the following statement:
“It is with profound sadness that I share news of the unexpected death of one our students, Amelia Wakefield, this weekend. Our deepest sympathies go out to her family, friends, classmates and teammates, coaches, teachers, and school staff, all of whom are dealing with unimaginable loss.
An investigation is ongoing so no further details are available at this time.
“Amelia, an 11th grader who spent her entire school career at Oxford Academy, was a member of our soccer and basketball teams. She was a valued part of our school community and will be remembered always.
“Our Crisis Team has met to ensure support is in place for everyone. Oxford Academy will be on a one-hour delay on Monday, May 6 for staff preparation, and grief counseling and support services will be provided at school beginning Monday morning.
“The District has arranged for additional counselors on site; our own district counselors will be available for students and staff for as long as that’s needed. Families are also invited to call counselors at any of our school buildings for guidance about helping students work through grief and other concerns they may have. Please be aware that everyone processes unexpected death differently. Many are shocked and hurting, and we will do all we can to help.
“The Oxford community is clearly compassionate and resilient. We trust that you will join us in keeping Amelia’s family and friends in your thoughts and prayers during this immensely difficult time.”
Police responded to the incident Friday, that was initially reported to involve a death, a possible suicide, with a firearm at a home in Smithville.
Monday Chenango County Sheriff Investigators confirmed that was part of an initial call. Police declined comment if a firearm was involved, but Sherriff’s Lt. Joshua Gould said the incident was not a suicide as first reported.
“It is not a suicide,” he said.
On Saturday Chenango County Sheriff Ernest Cutting reported that at about 6:51 p.m. on Friday, May 3, police responded to 136 Water St. in the Town of Smithville and discovered the body of Amelia Wakefield from the Village of Oxford.
The victim’s body was later transported to Lourdes Hospital in Binghamton, where an autopsy will be performed.
Members of the Village of Greene Police Department, and New York State Police are also investigating.
Police contacted Saturday did not release a cause of death or any details about a gun, saying the investigation was ongoing.
Asked if officers had ruled out foul play, investigators said no arrests have been made and the death is still being investigated.
The New York State Police Forensic Investigation Unit and Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Technicians processed the scene.
The Oxford School District was on one hour delay Monday so staff can prepare for crisis counseling with students.
On Saturday Oxford Superintendent Shawn Bissetta announced the district’s delay in response to the death. He also released the following statement:
“It is with profound sadness that I share news of the unexpected death of one our students, Amelia Wakefield, this weekend. Our deepest sympathies go out to her family, friends, classmates and teammates, coaches, teachers, and school staff, all of whom are dealing with unimaginable loss.
An investigation is ongoing so no further details are available at this time.
“Amelia, an 11th grader who spent her entire school career at Oxford Academy, was a member of our soccer and basketball teams. She was a valued part of our school community and will be remembered always.
“Our Crisis Team has met to ensure support is in place for everyone. Oxford Academy will be on a one-hour delay on Monday, May 6 for staff preparation, and grief counseling and support services will be provided at school beginning Monday morning.
“The District has arranged for additional counselors on site; our own district counselors will be available for students and staff for as long as that’s needed. Families are also invited to call counselors at any of our school buildings for guidance about helping students work through grief and other concerns they may have. Please be aware that everyone processes unexpected death differently. Many are shocked and hurting, and we will do all we can to help.
“The Oxford community is clearly compassionate and resilient. We trust that you will join us in keeping Amelia’s family and friends in your thoughts and prayers during this immensely difficult time.”
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