Mary Whitaker (Image from Westchester Philharmonic)
UPDATE (2:50 p.m., Aug. 22, 2014): Chautauqua County Sheriff Joseph Gerace and District Attorney David Foley will hold a press conference in Mayville at 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22 for all available media regarding the homicide. More details on the case are expected to be released at this time.
WESTFIELD – The Buffalo News is providing new details into the shooting death involving a musician who performed with the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra.
According to a report released Friday by the Buffalo News, the vehicle believed stolen from the home of Mary Whitaker has been found in Erie, Pa. In addition, authorities believe that credit cards belonging to Whitaker were also used in Erie as well, after she had been shot.
As a result of the latest evidence, investigators with the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s office are working under the theory that Whitaker may have interrupted a burglary on Tuesday night, following her return from a performance at Chautauqua Institution.
Chautauqua County sheriff deputies began their investigation into the shooting death of the 61-year-old Whitaker on Wednesday following the discovery of her body at her residence at 8448 Titus Rd. Police were called to the scene after a report came in of an assault victim at the residence who was possibly deceased.
Whitaker was reportedly a long-time member of the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra, where she played violin. She stayed at the Titus Rd. home during the summer season and lived in New York City the rest of the year.
In addition to the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s office working on the case, investigators with the Erie County Sheriff’s Office in Pennsylvania are also providing assistance, along with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Titus Road is located just north of the village of Sherman and a section of it is located in the town of Sherman. However, according to the news report, the scene of the crime was on the section of the road that lies in the town of Westfield.
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