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Bova pleads not guilty to AuSable Forks murder

Coroner confirms shooting death was homicide

David Bova, 30, of AuSable Forks is seen the day he was arrested in March and charged with second-degree murder for the shooting death of Magen Goyette. (Photo provided — New York State Police)

AuSABLE FORKS — The man who allegedly shot a woman Wednesday morning has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder in Black Brook Town Court, according to the Press-Republican.

An autopsy confirmed that a gunshot wound was the cause of an AuSable Forks woman’s death. Clinton County Coroner David Donah ruled the death a homicide.

Dr. Michael Sikirica of the Albany Medical Center said the gunshot caused severe skull fractures and brain injuries to 30-year-old Magen Goyette, State Police reported Thursday.

State Police arrested David Bova, also 30 and of AuSable Forks. He is in Clinton County Jail without bail.

The two had been in a relationship, according to Goyette’s Facebook page.

The shooting is still under investigation, and many questions remain unanswered to the public. State Police are releasing little information. The Enterprise emailed the Clinton County District Attorney’s Office but did not receive a reply before publication.

Michelle Goyette, Magen’s mother, declined to comment Thursday morning, saying it was too stressful to speak at this time.

Cindy Bova, an extended family member of David Bova, said she tried reaching out to Chris Swinyer, who raised David even though she isn’t his biological mother.

“I tried to call her, but she wasn’t answering,” Cindy said. “I don’t think anyone in the family wants to say anything at this time. I’m just so sorry to hear about that girl, and I’m sorry for her family.”

The killing took place on Silver Lake Road around 9 a.m. Wednesday. Eyewitnesses say Bova crashed an SUV into trees outside of Fred’s Auto Repair. Fred Drake, who owns the shop, said Bova then reached into the vehicle’s back seat, pulled out a gun and started firing shots into the air.

Diane Parrow-Drake, Drake’s sister-in-law who also said she saw the shooting, suggested Bova was intoxicated because “he was all wobbly and couldn’t stand still.”

Then Michelle and Magen Goyette drove up in a pickup truck, the witnesses said. Drake said Bova walked up to within 3 or 4 feet of the passenger side and “shot through the side of the vehicle.

“I heard five or six shots,” Drake said. “It happened so fast I don’t remember exactly, but it was more than three.”

Witnesses said Bova then left the scene on foot. State Police found him later that morning and took him into custody. Magen Goyette was transported to Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital in Plattsburgh, where she was pronounced dead.

People on scene detail shooting on public road

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