Retired Detective Marc Liberatore recently revisited a chilling case from 1982 in Rochester, New York, where 29-year-old Cathy Krauseneck was found dead in her bed with an ax lodged in her head. The investigation initially focused on her husband, Jim Krauseneck, who claimed to have found her body upon returning from work. Despite suspicions and circumstantial evidence, the case went cold due to lack of forensic clues.
Fast forward to 2015, when the FBI provided resources to aid in the investigation. Detectives Liberatore and Steve Hunt revisited the case, believing Jim Krauseneck was the perpetrator. The key piece of evidence was the time of death, with forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Baden suggesting Cathy died around 3:30 a.m., contradicting Jim’s alibi of leaving for work at 6:30 a.m.
In 2019, Jim Krauseneck was indicted and later found guilty of second-degree murder after a trial that hinged on the staged burglary scene, the boat shoe print found inside a garbage bag, and the absence of DNA evidence linking him to the crime. Despite maintaining his innocence, Jim was sentenced to 25 years-to-life in prison.
The case sparked controversy and divided opinions, with some believing in Jim’s innocence and pointing to another suspect, Ed Laraby, a known violent sexual predator in the area. Laraby had confessed to other murders, including that of Cathy Krauseneck, but forensic evidence and witness testimonies did not support his claims.
Ultimately, the case ended tragically when Jim Krauseneck passed away from cancer in prison six months after his conviction. His family and legal team are appealing the verdict in hopes of clearing his name. The story serves as a reminder of the complexities of cold cases, the challenges of seeking justice after decades, and the impact on all those involved.
