Police: Wanted Chicago Man Killed Hudson Valley Woman

A wanted Chicago man is accused of killing a Hudson Valley woman.

On Wednesday in Orange County Court, 59-year-old Kevin Cook of Chicago, I.L., was arraigned on an indictment charging him with two-counts of manslaughter and two-counts of strangulation.

The indictment alleges that Cook intended to cause serious physical injury to a 47-year-old Newburgh woman when he strangled her inside a home on Carson Avenue in Newburgh on October 14.

Tanya Smith was found dead by police inside her brother’s Newburgh home. Cook is accused of strangling Smith to death.

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“There is no more important case than one involving the loss of life,” Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler said. “I commend the City of Newburgh Police for their investigation of this case. My office will continue to seek severe prison sentences in cases where intentional violence leads to death. Men who assault and strangle women deserve lengthy prison sentences.”

At the time of the alleged murder, Cook was staying with a relative in Newburgh, police say. Police didn’t release any information regarding any possible connection between Cook and Smith.

In October, Cook was charged with murder and being a fugitive from justice stemming from an open warrant from the Illinois Department of Corrections by the City of Newburgh Police Department.

Cook was remanded to the Orange County Jail without bail. He is due back in court on Nov. 29.

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