Cortland Teen Found Murdered

A Cortland County man is being charged with murder in the death of a 16 year old girl in the City of Cortland.

Police say the body of Amie Leland was found on Lincoln Avenue after authorities received a call for a medical emergency at around 3:30 p.m. May 8, sent by a resident at the address who had just returned home.

Officials say Leland suffered blunt force trauma, stab wounds and other lacerations.

23 year old Michael Hammond of Virgil was arrested almost an hour later after Cortland County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a call about a distraught male at a home on Curtis road in Virgil.

Authorities say Hammond was acquainted with Leland.

Hammond is charged with two felony murder counts, three felony burglary counts and five misdemeanor counts of criminal possession of a weapon.

Cortland School District officials are making counselors available.