
KINGSTON, N.Y. (AP) - A 34-year-old man has pleaded not guilty to murder and other charges in the sledgehammer slaying of his Hudson Valley landlord.
Local media outlets report that Shawn Tyler entered the pleas Thursday during an appearance in Ulster County Court.
Tyler was charged with first-degree murder, robbery and possession of stolen property after 54-year-old Ann Gaffney was found beaten to death inside her home in Hurley, near Kingston.
Authorities say Tyler used a small sledgehammer to beat Gaffney to death on Dec. 21. Her body was found that night inside her home, where Tyler was renting a room.
He was found three hours later hiding under a trailer less thann a mile away from Gaffney's house.
Police say Tyler stole $270 from Gaffney's clothing, plus another $280 from her bank account using her ATM card.