WALLKILL, NY—Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced that Damante Stansberry, 24, of Wallkill, has been sentenced to 18 years to life in prison for his role in a murder-for-hire scheme. The sentencing occurred on Friday, July 19, 2024, in the Orange County Court.
Stansberry had previously pleaded guilty to second-degree murder for the killing of a Wallkill man, as part of a plot orchestrated by Enoch Lowe. According to court documents and statements made at Lowe’s trial, Lowe had longstanding animosity toward his neighbor and hired Stansberry to carry out the murder, promising him $15,000. Lowe provided logistical support, acting as a lookout and informing Stansberry when the victim was alone and vulnerable.
The murder took place on October 30, 2022, where Stansberry fatally stabbed the 53-year-old victim while he was repairing a fence in his backyard. Evidence including text messages and phone calls between Lowe and Stansberry linked them to the crime.
The comprehensive investigation that led to the arrests of Stansberry and Lowe involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Town of Wallkill Police Department, New York State Police, FBI Safe Streets Task Force, and others.
District Attorney Hoovler expressed his gratitude towards the law enforcement teams and prosecutors who worked on the case, emphasizing the commitment of his office to pursuing justice against violent criminals. The case concluded with Stansberry’s sentencing, marking a significant step in holding those responsible for the community member’s death accountable.
