In the dock: New York violinist murderer agrees to testify

The murder of Mary Whitaker in August last year horrified hundreds of friends and colleagues across New York state and beyond. Mary, 61, played in professional orchestras and ensembles in Manhattan, where she lived. She was a close family friend of the conductor, Marin Alsop, passionate about contemporary music and a very private person.

The shooting, at her Chautauqua County summer home, appeared to be a house robbery that went wrong. Two men were quickly arrested, but the case stalled as police tried to build a case against both perpetrators, who were found with Mary’s credit cards and other possessions. Nothing has happened for more than a year.

Today, the good news is that one of the men has agreed to testify against the other in an agreed plea deal. The state’s witness will serve 15 years and his accomplice will get life in the event of a conviction. Mary’s family were consulted before the deal was sealed.

May Mary’s soul rest in perfect peace.