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February 24, 2010

Trial date set in Shoemaker murder case

<img src="/homepage/images_image_276103054" alt="&#149;">&nbsp;&nbsp;Kathryn Shoemaker charged with strangling business partner/former lover after alleged theft

By ANDREA VanVALKENBURG

PLATTSBURGH — Kathryn Shoemaker will go on trial this summer for the strangulation death of her former lover.

The 34-year-old mother returned to Clinton County Court this week, and her first-degree murder trial was scheduled for Aug. 2.

Her attorney, Gregory LaDuke of Lake Placid, said two pre-trial hearings were also scheduled during the brief Monday afternoon conference before Judge Kevin Ryan.

He said the April 30 hearings will determine whether Shoemaker's alleged statements to police and certain pieces of physical evidence can be used during trial.

She has pleaded not guilty but is the prime suspect in the August 2009 death of Ravin Miller, whom she used to date.

Authorities believe the Chateaugay woman used a rope to strangle the 51-year-old inside his Churubusco home so he couldn't testify against her for allegedly stealing more than $35,000 from him.

Police said the pair had entered into financial agreements for the purchase of expensive equipment while they were dating and that Shoemaker stole the money during those dealings.

She continues to be held without bail.

Shoemaker faces life without parole if convicted of the highest murder charge.

LaDuke declined to comment on the trial defense but said he expects the proceeding to run through August.

E-mail Andrea VanValkenburg at: avanvalkenburg@pressrepublican.com

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