Man charged with 1996 murder

WAWARSING – State Police and the Ulster County District Attorney’s Office have charged a man with murder in connection with the death of a teenager in 1996.

Joseph Martin, 15, of Samsonville, disappeared never to be found again, despite initial efforts to crack the case.
On May 7, 2008, BCI members from State Police at Ellenville went to Brooklyn where they interviewed Alexander Barsky, 27, a childhood friend of Martin. He had been interviewed in the past about the disappearance but claimed to know nothing about it.

Now, police said Barsky made admissions that implicate him to the disappearance and death of Martin. Police are also following new leads that resulted in recovery of forensic evidence and evidence that could lead to one or more people.

State Police BCI Captain Wayne Olson said they have not found a body, but have sufficient forensic evidence to indicate Martin is dead.

“We certainly have information that leads us to a motive; we’re not at liberty to discuss it at this point, but we have some fairly significant information.”

Barsky is being held in the Ulster County Jail without bail.

The investigation is continuing.