Katie 
Cody A. Franciscovich, 25, of Tioga, New York, entered a plea of “not guilty” in his court appearance Wednesday. He also stated he understood the proceedings and had no questions. His public defenders, George Awad and Tom Cline, refused to comment after Franciscovich was lead back to jail.
Sunday morning, a little after 7am, Tioga County 911 received a call from Ruby Franciscovich’s mother. While Police responded and began their search of the area, another call came in to 911. This time it was to report a naked man walking down a nearby road.
After questioning, Franciscovich led Police to a pond behind St. Patrick’s Cemetary. Ruby was located about twenty-five feet from the shore, floating face down. Police immediately extracted her, and she was transported to a nearby hospital where she was pronounced dead.
The felony complaint filed at the Tioga Town Court states:
“On the aforementioned date and place, the abovementioned defendant did knowingly and intentionally commit the crime of murder in the first-degree when in the immediate flight thereafter of committing the crimes of rape in the first degree and criminal sex act in the first degree he killed his eight month old daughter.”
At this time, Franciscovich gas been charged only with first degree murder, but more charges may come as the medical findings are released.
A memorial for Ruby is sceduled fir Monday at St. Patricks Cemetary where people have already been leaving flowers, balloons, and stuffed animals. Those planning to attend are asked to wear red.
Contributor
