People v. Helliger

OPINION OF THE COURT

A Grand Jury indicted defendant for murder in the second degree (Penal Law § 125.25 [2] [depraved indifference murder]) and manslaughter in the first degree (Penal Law § 125.20 [1]) in connection with the strangulation death of a woman with whom he lived. At trial, the prosecutor contended that defendant choked the victim to death, crushing the bones inside her neck, evincing an intent to cause her serious physical injury and a depraved indifference to her life.

Initially, defendant falsely denied any role in the victim’s death, claiming that he simply came home, found her…