DATE OF ARREST: 06/28/2023
LOCATION OF ARREST: Amsterdam Police Headquarters
NAME AND ADDRESS OF ARRESTEE(S):
Naturalwise K. Joseph AGE: 35
Auburn, NY
NAME AND CLASSIFICATION OF CHARGES (F/M/V):
1. Murder 2nd ( A1-Felony )
2. Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd ( C-Felony)
3. Tampering with Physical Evidence (E-Felony)
ARRAIGNMENT/BAIL STATUS: Joseph was arraigned in Amsterdam City Court in front of the Honorable Judge Lisa W. Lorman where he was remanded back to the custody of NYDOCCS. The case will be held for further action in the superior court the Montgomery County Court at a later date.
INCIDENT NARRATIVE: On Friday March 12th, 2021 at 1:52 a.m. Amsterdam Police headquarters received a call for a seriously injured male found bleeding on the sidewalk on Hibbard Street between James Street and Reid Street in the City of Amsterdam. Upon the arrival of both Amsterdam Fire and Amsterdam Policepersonnel the victim’s injuries were quickly determined to be life threatening and an air lift via helicopter was requested and executed to Albany Medical Center.
The victim, 37 year-old Ricardo M. Lopez, of Amsterdam was confirmed to have suffered a gunshot wound to his head. Mr. Lopez ultimately succumbed to his injury later in the day of March 12th at Albany Medical Center.
In the ensuing homicide investigation the Amsterdam Police Detective Bureau was assisted by members of the New York State Police Troop G Major Crimes Unit and investigators from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office.
As a result of that investigation and in conjunction with the Office of the District Attorney of Montgomery County Lorraine Diamond the Amsterdam Police Department announces today the arrest of 35 year-old Naturalwise K. Joseph formerly of Albany, NY for the murder of Ricardo M. Lopez.
Joseph is currently incarcerated at the Auburn Correctional Facility in Auburn, NY serving a sentence of 18 years to life for the killing of 39 year-old Lashon J. Turner that occurred on May 21st, 2021 on Central Avenue in Albany, NY.
Formal charges for the listed crimes were filed against Joseph in Amsterdam City Court on June 14th, 2023 by Amsterdam police detectives. Joseph was produced to Amsterdam City Court for arraignment this day by officers of the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (NYDOCCS) at Auburn Correctional.
