Cornell University Researcher Found Murdered in New York State Park, House on Fire

ITHACA, N.Y. – State police say a woman found murdered in a state park in Ithaca was a Cornell University researcher.

Troopers identified her as 28-year-old Caroline Coffey. An autopsy showed she suffered a fatal cut to the neck. Her body was found Wednesday morning along a wooded trail in Taughannock Falls State Park.

State police are questioning her 24-year-old husband — Blazej Kot — about her death, but have not charged him.

Troopers say Kot led police on a five-minute chase Tuesday night before crashing his vehicle. He was found with an apparent self-inflicted injury. Police later found the couple's house on fire.

Kot was in stable condition and under guard Thursday at an area hospital. The investigation is continuing.