In Elma, New York, Frank J. Litterio, 61, has been charged with second-degree murder after the crossbow shooting of his 62-year-old girlfriend, Jill Harris. The event took place on December 13, 2023, at their shared residence.
At approximately 5 p.m., after a welfare check call to 911, Erie County Sheriff’s deputies arrived at the scene. They found Harris on the couch, deceased from wounds inflicted by a crossbow. Litterio was also present, with injuries that appeared self-inflicted, later confirmed to be caused by another weapon, as informed by District Attorney John J. Flynn.
The medical examination revealed Harris had been hit with crossbow arrows in the abdomen, face, and chest.
Undersheriff Bill Cooley, speaking to the press, underscored the premeditated aspect of the attack, citing the necessary effort to load and shoot a crossbow.
The two had lived together for an estimated 15 years at Litterio’s West Blood Road home.
On December 15, 2023, Litterio was arraigned while under medical care for his injuries at Erie County Medical Center, which included a slashed neck, punctures to the chest, and a wounded wrist. He was detained without bail, awaiting a court hearing on January 29, 2024.
A guilty verdict on the second-degree murder charge could lead to a sentence of 25 years to life in prison. The investigation by the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, alongside the New York State Police, is ongoing, with Chief Gary W. Hackbush of the Homicide Bureau prosecuting the case.
An autopsy concluded that Harris had succumbed to the arrow wounds hours before the discovery.
This incident succeeded another in upstate New York involving a crossbow that resulted in a homicide.
The investigative authorities deem the nature of the attack as indicative of premeditation. Defense attorney Herb Greenman has not provided any statements about the case.
Litterio remains in custody at the Erie County Medical Center, with his January court date expected to bring additional details to light.