Violent Tragedy Unfolds in Utica: Man, Colton Shaffer Found Covered in Blood Charged with Murder

 


In Utica, New York, a 911 call was made on Saturday by a person who observed what seemed to be blood seeping from an apartment ceiling. Responding officers from the Utica Police Department confirmed that it was indeed blood dripping from the ceiling to the floor, as detailed in a press release. 

Subsequently, the officers conducted a welfare check on the occupants of the apartment above. Upon announcing themselves, a man emerged from the apartment, covered in blood. He promptly locked the door, leading to his apprehension as officers delved further into the situation.

Upon entering the apartment, law enforcement encountered a substantial pool of blood and signs of something being dragged across the premises. A deceased man, identified as Neko Rayton, was discovered in the bathtub, having sustained gunshot wounds, multiple stab wounds, and other injuries, as reported by the police.

The Major Crimes Unit and the Crime Scene Unit were called in for investigation. Colton Shaffer, the individual covered in blood, was identified as the alleged perpetrator. A criminal complaint disclosed that Shaffer shot Rayton in the head twice and then proceeded to stab him in the torso, face, and neck with a knife. The incident occurred between approximately 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., according to the affidavit.

Colton Shaffer faces charges of second-degree murder and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon, with the possibility of additional charges. 

He has been confined to the Oneida County Jail. Utica police noted that Shaffer declined to provide a statement to investigators, leaving the motive unclear. Shaffer and Rayton were described as "associates." 

Records from the New York Department of Corrections revealed Shaffer's prior incarceration for burglary, with his release in September 2022, completing a year of probation.

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