Murder suspect seeks new attorney

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November 13, 2009

By ANDREA VanVALKENBURG The Press Republican Fri Nov 13, 2009, 10:51 AM EST

PLATTSBURGH — Kathryn Shoemaker was in good spirits when she returned to court this week on a murder charge.

The 33-year-old winked at and mouthed “I love you” to her supporters as she was escorted Thursday afternoon into Plattsburgh Town Court, where her case was adjourned for three weeks pending possible grand-jury action.

Authorities expect additional charges will be lodged against the Chateaugay woman in connection with Ravin Miller’s death this fall.

Police were called to the 51-year-old contractor’s home in mid-August after Shoemaker allegedly strangled him and staged his death to look like a suicide.

Shoemaker wasn’t charged in the case until late last month, when Miller’s death was ruled a homicide.

Authorities believe the pair, who had once dated, had a financial agreement involving the purchase of expensive equipment and that somehow those dealings may have led to the Clinton County Highway Department employee’s death.

During her brief court appearance, Shoemaker expressed interest in retaining a new attorney, though the court had yet to receive official paperwork documenting the change.

She is still being represented by attorney Allan Cruikshank, who was appointed by the court after her arrest.

Shoemaker continues to be held at Clinton County Jail without bail and is due back in court Dec. 3.

She has pleaded not guilty.

E-mail Andrea VanValkenburg at:

avanvalkenburg@pressrepublican.com