Herkimer County Acting District Attorney Jeffrey Carpenter has announced that the death of Catherine Koestner, which occurred at the Forge Motel in Old Forge on August 25, was caused by a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The announcement was made at a news conference held on Tuesday, October 2, following autopsy reports.

However, the investigation continues as officials try to determine whether the 30-year-old Proctor High School math teacher committed suicide or shot herself accidentally.

Joseph Moore, 50, of Clinton, who was in the motel room with Koestner at the time of the shooting, was interviewed by law enforcement officials and provided articles of his personal property for examination.

Investigators continue to characterize him as a witness in the investigation.

But, according to Carpenter, Moore has since retained counsel who has indicated that Moore will no longer cooperate with investigators. Continue reading →