TRUXTON, NY (WSYR-TV) -New York State Police have charged 44-year-old Keith Pottorff with second degree murder in the death of his wife, 55-year-old Janet Pottorff.
On Friday, police responded to 5769 Dog Hollow Road in Truxton to investigate the report of a missing person, 53-year-old Janet Pottorff.
While searching the property, officers found her body.
As a result of the investigation, police arrested her husband Keith Pottorff. He is in custody at the Cortland County Jail without bail.
On Saturday, the cause of death was ruled to be asphyxiation with the manner of death being ruled a homicide.
A close friend told NewsChannel 9 that Janet Pottorff was a loving woman who, as a nurse, cared for people all over Cortland County.
"I just didn't believe that anybody could do such a harmful thing to a caring girl, she did not deserve what she got. I'm upset about it we all are," said Carol Potts.
Janet Pottorff was a nurse at Cortland Regional Medical Center.
A hospital spokesman said, "We are all shocked and deeply saddened by this terrible tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with Janet's family, relatives and friends during this most difficult time. For the past 18 years Janet provided compassionate care to many in the Cortland community. She was beloved and respected by co-workers and was a valued member of the medical center's nursing team. We will all miss her greatly."
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call New York State Police at (607)-756-5604 or (607)-347-4440.
