13 Year Old Indicted in Newburgh Murder, Protective Order Sought

A juvenile defendant was formally indicted on second degree murder, tampering with physical evidence and menacing charges in the death of 11 year old Matthew DeGroat when he appeared for arraignment in Orange County Court on December 4. The teen pleaded not guilty as family members and supporters filled the gallery, with relatives wearing T shirts in memory of Matthew and the defendant brought into the courtroom handcuffed and shackled.

Prosecutors disclosed for the first time that the gun used in the killing belonged to the 13 year old, and alleged he had pointed the same weapon at another person days before the shooting. Authorities said the child was shot in the head inside his North Miller Street home on the morning of October 9. Matthew had recently moved to Newburgh from Middletown after the death of his father, a detail that has deepened the community response to his loss.

Court testimony and prosecutor statements sketched a troubled profile for the accused, who was described as living in a hotel, frequently missing school, and recently attempting to harm himself during a mental health crisis. Prosecutors also said he had been involved in an earlier shooting in the city where he and friends were shot at. Investigators had previously said Matthew was the target of bullying, and that a social media video showed him crying and being slapped by an unidentified youth shortly before his death.

The Orange County District Attorney's Office asked the judge to issue a protective order to restrict who may access evidence, citing the need to shield underage witnesses and sensitive material while still allowing defense review. Defense attorney Laisa Pertet challenged that request in court. "I feel like the only reason you’d want a protective order and to limit access to information and evidence in this case is to cover up a hasty, botched investigation..." Pertet said in court. DeGroat family attorney LaTanya Watkins spoke for the victim's family. "They look forward to the day in court where justice is served for Matthew," she said.

The judge denied bail and ordered the teen held at a secure youth facility, while issuing protective orders for family members. Beyond the immediate courtroom outcome, the case raises questions for Newburgh about juvenile justice practice, mental health interventions for at risk youth, school safety and how public institutions balance transparency with witness protection. As the prosecution and defense prepare for pretrial proceedings, residents and local leaders will be watching how those policy and procedural questions are resolved.