Man Charged in Garrison Murder

Anthony Grigoroff Sheriff Donald Smith announced the arrest Tuesday of a Lake Peekskill man in connection with the New Year's Eve killing of John Marcinak, the popular owner of the Garrison Garage and towing business.

Anthony Grigoroff, 18, of 52 Morrissey Drive in the Lake Peekskill section of Putnam Valley, faces a murder charge carrying a prison term of 25 years to life. He also was charged with criminal possession of a weapon and two counts of attempted burglary. Sheriff Smith told the Courier on Wednesday that "Yesterday's arrest will begin the process of healing and closure for the Marcinak family."

On Tuesday night, the sheriff told a news conference attended by Janet Marcinak and her children, Julie, 14; John, 10; and Joey, 8, that investigators arrested Grigoroff earlier in the day at the Putnam Correctional Facility, where he is serving an unrelated DWI conviction. Grigoroff was arraigned by Putnam County Judge James Reitz and was ordered back to jail without bail. In May 2008, Grigoroff, then 17, and his 24-year-old brother Gregory were arrested in Mohegan Lake for drug sale and possession, after a two-month long police investigation into local drug trafficking.

Sheriff Smith said the arrest warrant was issued after a Putnam County grand jury accused Grigoroff of shooting and killing Marcinak when he interrupted the suspect and "one or more other persons" who were attempting to burglarize the garage on New Year's Eve day.

Smith told the Courier Wednesday that he could not provide further details, but he said, "We have a low tolerance for pain in Putnam County, and anyone involved in the Marcinak murder will be found and brought to justice."

"This case will be tried in court as the law demands, and not in the public or by the media," Smith said.

The sheriff praised his staff for its "around the clock persistence, unflagging commitment, and tireless and intensive five-month-long investigation with assistance and support from the District Attorney's office," represented at the briefing by Assistant D.A. Chanas Krauss. Janet Marcinak thanked the Sheriff's Department: "We are so relieved that after all this time the person who did this horrendous act has been captured. While we are elated, we are also very sad."

Mrs. Marcinak told the Courier that "deep down inside, I knew that John's killer would be found. I just didn't know when. When that call came today, I sat at my desk and began to cry. It was over."

John Marcinak was loved in his community and by his family. Was it a relief for Mrs. Marcinak to know her husband's death was a random act?

Mrs. Marcinak replied: "It had to be random because anyone who knew John wouldn't have done this to him. He was the greatest father and community member. We just didn't know why."

Mrs. Marcinak, who was surrounded by her children, broke down. "Why did this man have to kill my husband? John would have given him anything he wanted. He wouldn't put up a fight. Why? Why did he kill my John and take him away from our children and family. He didn't have to kill him."

Tears rolled down Mrs. Marcinak's cheeks as her children began to cry.

"John can never be replaced, and all for nothing," she said.