DeKalb man takes plea deal in murder trial, faces 14 years in prison

CANTON — St. Lawrence County District Attorney Gary M. Pasqua announced today that Charles Anson, 52, of Dekalb, pled guilty to Manslaughter in the first-degree for the killing of Justin Massey on May 4, 2021 .

Anson was originally indicted by a St. Lawrence County grand jury on second-degree murder, first-degree manslaughter, first-degree assault and first-degree criminal use of a firearm, previous reports state.

According to police, a shooting occurred at 580 County Route 18 in the town of DeKalb on May 4, 2021.

Police say Anson shot Justin Massey, 40, of Rossie, with a .22 caliber rifle while the victim was unarmed and already wounded from a prior incident.

Anson’s son John Anson, 29, Richville, was originally facing a second-degree murder charge but it was later dismissed by St. Lawrence County District Attorney Gary Pasqua.

According to witness reports, the younger Anson and Massey were fighting over a woman.

On Aug. 15, Anson admitted in open court that he intended to cause serious physical injury to another person and while doing so, caused the death of that person, a press release states.

The senior Anson is scheduled to be sentenced in front of Judge Craig Carriero on Oct. 11.

Anso will be sentenced to a 14 year determinate term of incarceration with the New York State Department of Corrections to be followed by a 5 year period of post release supervision, according to a press release.

"Hopefully the defendant's admission of guilt for this horrific act and the sentence that he will serve will bring some small amount of closure to Mr. Massey's family. Mr. Massey's tragic death was unnecessary and avoidable. Seeking justice for all victims and their families affected by crime in St. Lawrence County will continue to be my Office's top priority,” DA Pasqua said.

Pasqua also offered his praise for Assistant District Attorney Sasha Mascarenhas, as well as the St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department for leading the investigation with the assistance of New York State Police Forensic Identification Unit and the Bureau of Criminal Investigations.