Accused Trooper Killer Appears in Broome Court

The man accused of purposely running down New York State Trooper Christopher Skinner near Hinmann’s Corners in the Town of Chenango during a traffic stop in May 2014 is waiting for his next court date after an initial hearing questioned his mental condition and whether he was properly read his rights.

During the pre-trial proceedings in Broome County Court March 3, several witnesses said 62 year old Almond Upton of Florida swore at police, was biting grass and proclaimed he was Jesus Christ as he was being taken into custody, naked from a wooded area off Interstate 81 where Trooper Skinner was killed as he conducted a routine traffic stop.

Another pre-trial session is planned for March 24^th.  Upton's trial for murder is scheduled for July 5.