Kingston, NY—Kristin Delsanto, age 29, of Lake Katrine, pleaded guilty to Manslaughter in the Second Degree in connection to the 2022 death of her intimate partner Collin Schlegel’s biological 14-year-old daughter.

On August 2, 2022, the Town of Ulster Police Department received a 911 call for a 14-year-old female who was unresponsive. Despite all attempted life-saving measures by responding officers, the child was pronounced dead at the scene.

During a year-long investigation conducted by detectives of the Town of Ulster Police Department,  a thorough recreation and timeline of events and activities leading up to the child’s death. The investigation revealed that both Schlegel and Delsanto were aware of and contributed to the child’s consumption of drugs and alcohol, with Delsanto going with the child to obtain and consume her last quantity of illegal narcotics, all of which subsequently caused her death.

This indictment resulted from the unwavering dedication of the Detective Division of Town of Ulster Police Department, especially Detective Sergeant Cheryl Benjamin who persisted in solving a case that presented significant challenges. The New York State Police and Ulster County Sheriff’s Office also assisted in the investigation.

District Attorney Emmanuel C. Nneji said, “This case is a heartbreaker. Illegal drug use and abuse by adults are obviously not okay and we all know the toll on our community, but the abuse of a child by giving her such poison that kills her, especially by the hands entrusted with her care and wellbeing, is unforgivable and will be held to account.” 

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Tara Waters and Luba Reznikova, of the Special Victims Bureau. Defendant is represented by Clifford Owens of the Ulster County Office of the Public Defender.

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