On Monday, the Village of Bath Police Department arrested two individuals following a lengthy investigation into the suspicious death of a 61-year-old man.
Zachariah Cole, 34, and Heather Baker, 37, were taken into custody in connection with an incident that began on February 6. On that date, units were dispatched to a residence on West Washington Street around 5:54 p.m. for a report of an unresponsive male. Emergency responders determined the victim was deceased, sparking a death investigation.
Authorities allege that Baker and Cole delayed calling emergency services and instead tampered with physical evidence by cleaning the scene and removing items for a lengthy period before calling for help. It is further alleged that the pair filed false statements with law enforcement to conceal a crime. Investigators also determined that Baker and Cole provided the victim with methamphetamine, which was found to be a contributing factor to his death.
Both Baker and Cole were charged with Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Fifth Degree, Tampering With Physical Evidence, and Falsifying Business Records in the First Degree.
Following their arraignment in Steuben County Centralized Arraignment Part Court, both were sent to the Steuben County Jail without bail.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
