Newburgh Man Pleads Guilty in Severe Street Slashing Case

Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced on December 12, 2025 that Dave Fulford, 20, of Newburgh pled guilty on December 8, 2025 to Attempted Assault in the First Degree in Orange County Court. Under the plea agreement entered on the record, prosecutors will recommend that Fulford be sentenced to eight years in prison to be followed by five years of post release supervision when he is sentenced on February 17, 2026.

According to court filings and statements made in court, the assault occurred on September 3, 2025 at approximately 7:40 p.m. on Van Ness Street in the City of Newburgh. Prosecutors allege that Fulford ran up to a man from behind and slashed him once in the face with a sharp object. The victim sustained a large laceration that required stitches. Fulford later admitted to police that he slashed the victim and at the plea proceedings admitted to attempting to cause serious physical injury by means of a dangerous instrument.

District Attorney Hoovler thanked the City of Newburgh Police Department for its investigation and described the conduct as violent. He said, "This defendant’s admitted conduct is unspeakably violent. Petty disagreements should never be settled by way of life altering acts of violence. The thorough investigation completed by police in this case ensured that this defendant was held to account for his crimes. The City of Newburgh will be safer while this offender is serving the significant sentence anticipated."

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Kelle Grimmer. The plea resolves the charge without a trial, and sentencing will be held in February. The district attorney's office reiterated the general legal principle that a criminal charge is an allegation and that defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it is the State of New York's burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

The resolution of this case is likely to resonate in local conversations about public safety, police resources, and prosecutorial priorities in Newburgh. Residents seeking information about the prosecution may contact Executive ADA Ryan Greenbaum at (845) 291 2050.