POUGHKEEPSIE – Thomas Case, 54, of Pleasant Valley, was found guilty of manslaughter Friday morning in Dutchess County Court. Case was accused of killing 20-year-old Anthony Cuozzo, the son of his girlfriend, by shooting him in the back on October 5, 2024, at Case’s Bilmar Nursery on Rawls Road in Pleasant Valley. He was originally indicted on a murder charge, but the jury only found him guilty of the lesser charge.
The trial included five and one-half days of testimony, and Friday marked the start of .
The jury, through the manslaughter conviction, believed Case was under extreme emotional distress when he pulled the trigger repeatedly, killing Cuozzo.
District Attorney Anthony Parisi said, “This verdict reflects the careful and deliberate work of the jury after hearing extensive testimony and evidence over the course of this trial. While no verdict can undo the tragic loss of a young life, today’s conviction represents accountability for the unlawful taking of Anthony Cuozzo’s life. I want to commend the members of the jury for their service and attention to this difficult case, as well as the New York State Police and the prosecution team for their professionalism, dedication, and commitment to seeking justice.”
Case faces up to 25 years in prison when he is sentenced by Judge Karen Edelman-Reyes on September 8, 2026.
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