Roy Johnson gets 58 years in fatal shooting of Paul Kutz during Marist parents weekend
POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. -- The man who opened fire in a hotel and killed a Long Island father during parents' weekend at Marist College will spend at least 58 years behind bars.
The victim's widow spoke at Monday's sentencing about the overwhelming grief and pain.
Roy Johnson, 35, said nothing in court, and showed no sign he comprehended the depth of pain he inflicted on the family of Paul Kutz.
"I stand here today a broken person. My heart is broken with the overwhelming grief that I will never see Paul again," Nathalie Kutz said.
She asked that CBS2 not show her face, which was stained with tears as she recalled the terrible events of Oct. 2, 2022, when Johnson inexplicably opened fire on a Poughkeepsie hotel lobby filled with parents of students at nearby Marist, killing 53-year-old Paul Kutz, who was described as a humble man devoted to his family.
"I have nightmares of what Paul went through that morning and the terror he must have felt. My boys live in a world that no longer feels safe or peaceful to them," Nathalie Kutz said.
"My father, my brothers, John and Thomas, our wives, and all the Kutz family are devastated by the loss of our beloved Paul," said Andrew Kutz, brother of the victim.
"There are no words to explain this extraordinary and horrific act of violence that the defendant inflicted," added Prosecutor Kristine Whelan.
Judge Edward McLoughlin took particular note of one of Johnson's many tattoos.
"You have a tattoo that's SMM -- stands for 'strength, morality and motivation?' I find that ironic," the judge said.
McLoughlin told Johnson he committed acts of inexplicable evil and failed to turn his life around after earlier convictions. He then sentenced Johnson to 58 years on murder and other charges.
The justice system isn't done with Johnson. He still faces trial for allegedly killing a Poughkeepsie man two months before he murdered Paul Kutz.
Paul Kutz lived in the Long Island town of East Northport, where he was active in many community events, including coaching Little League.
