An Open Letter to the Citizens of Allegany County, N.Y.:
On Fourth of July weekend of 2017, someone killed my grandfather as he slept in his bed. He was 82-years-old, a widower and an outdoorsman. He loved horses and hunting and lived by himself on a farm in the Town of Ward, Scio, NY. His name is Raymond “Ray” Cornelius and the person responsible for his murder is still walking among you.
As our family still copes with the loss of Ray, we continue to communicate and cooperate with local law enforcement as we seek answers and justice. It is our belief that there are those in the community that know something regarding this crime and have not yet come forward to share this information.
What all of us know for certain is the extent that the perpetrator is willing to go to address what they perceive as personal grievances. There is a level of anger within this individual that can push them to gun down an 82-year-old man as he sleeps in his bed, vulnerable and unable to defend himself. In a community as small as Allegany County this person poses a risk to everyone.
Local law enforcement has taken unprecedented measures to chase leads and seek information to solve what is a rare occurrence in their jurisdiction. Investigators can only work with what they have, however, and we hope to help them gain more information.
You may have seen something that holiday weekend, or heard something since, that could help protect the entire community and find justice for Ray and our family. As trivial as you might think any detail to be, it could help investigators.
If you might know something, and there is any doubt in your mind about doing the right thing, please ask yourself, “What else would it take for this individual to take another life?” and “Is this someone you are comfortable having loose in your community?”
It’s time for all of us to stand up and protect our families, friends and neighborhoods. Help Allegany County continue to be a safe place to raise our children and live our lives. If you are aware of anything that might be relevant to this crime, please let your voice be heard. Concerns can be called into the New York State Police at the Amity Barracks at 585-268-7085 or 585-344-6200.
Thank you,
Matt White
