Josefina Catherine Cunningham: Toddler Raped, Murdered In Upstate New York
Law enforcement in Rensselaer, New York, say Josefina Catherine Cunningham, 3, was killed on July 7, 2023. A 33-year-old man has been charged with murder.
Three-year-old Josefina Catherine Cunningham used to run into her brother’s arms when she returned from daycare in Rensselaer, New York.
Now, Jyquan Stewart, one of three brothers of Josie, as they used to call her, is on a journey for her.
“I used to see her come home from daycare she used to say, 'hi brother' and 'I love you'. She used to always give me a hug and a kiss before I'd go back to my apartment,” Jyquan Stewart, speaking to CBS Albany, said of his late little sister.
Stewart reached out to BlackGirlTragic to raise awareness about the tragedy that happened to his sister.
“My sister, Josefina Catherine Cunningham, was born on July 25, 2019, and was a vibrant three-year-old African-American girl whose life was tragically cut short on July 7, 2023, in Rensselaer, New York,” he said. “She was murdered by a white man,” he said..”Josefina's death has had a profound impact on me and my family. Her story needs to be heard; it should not be another forgotten tragedy but recognized as part of our nation's history.”
The suspect, 33-year-old Robert Fisher, who has an expansive criminal past, was reportedly the boyfriend of Josefina’s mother'. He is currently awaiting trial on charges of rape and murder.
Stewart is doing his part to keep his little sister’s memory alive as well as spread awareness about her story. He has created an Instagram page called the 'Story of Josefina Catherine Cunningham.
“I want her story to be heard, I don't want it just to become something that happens and is forgotten about. I want it to be known as African-American history,” he said.
According to the Rensselaer Police Department, first responders were called to a local address on July 7, about 7:20 a.m. about a “ 3-year-old female who was reported to be unresponsive.”
Investigators believe that Josefina was raped sometime between 8 p.m. July 6 and 7:20 a.m. July 7, which caused her death.
Unable to be revived at the scene, Josefina was rushed to Albany Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead.
Fisher, who was on the scene, was detained after he “attempted to gain access to the crime scene and obstruct Police operations.” according to the police. Fisher was initially charged with obstruction, resisting arrest and criminal mischief.
After an investigation, those charges were elevated to first-degree aggravated sexual abuse, third-degree assault and endangering the welfare of a child.
During Fisher’s arraignment, he pleaded not guilty, which reportedly drew loud gasps from those in the court, including family members of the victim.
After the arraignment, Rensselaer County District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly said, “I can speak for myself and probably everyone behind me. This has been absolutely heinous and horrific. Something that the normal investigator, normal prosecutor doesn't anticipate.”
Fisher has been jailed without bail until his trial, according to court records.
RELATED ARTICLES
