WADDINGTON, NY — New York State Police are investigating a domestic homicide-suicide that left two people dead on Nov. 30.
Troopers responded to a single-vehicle crash on State Highway 37 at approximately 7:46 a.m.
Upon arrival, troopers found a silver Buick Enclave off the southern shoulder of the roadway.
The driver, later identified as Yvonne McGrath, 66, of Lisbon, was unresponsive and transported to Canton-Potsdam Hospital, where she later died.
Troopers responded to McGrath’s residence on State Highway 37 to make notification of the accident.
Upon arrival at the residence, troopers observed suspicious circumstances and located a deceased male inside the home.
The deceased male was identified as Paul N. McGrath, 70, of Lisbon.
State Police investigators executed search warrants at both the crash scene and the residence.
A preliminary investigation revealed that an altercation had occurred at the residence between Yvonne McGrath and Paul McGrath.
Investigators determined that Paul McGrath attacked Yvonne McGrath while she was in bed with a hammer and a knife.
Yvonne McGrath fled the residence, entered her vehicle and traveled west on State Highway 37, where she was involved in the motor vehicle accident.
Evidence at the residence indicated Paul McGrath died by apparent suicide.
Autopsies were performed on Dec. 1 at 9 a.m. at Glens Falls Hospital by Forensic Pathologist Dr. Michael Sikirica.
The autopsy for Yvonne McGrath determined the cause of death was a large incised wound of the neck with hemorrhage, severe skull fractures and brain injuries due to sharp force and severe blunt force injuries.
The manner of death was ruled a homicide.
The autopsy for Paul McGrath determined the cause of death was asphyxia due to hanging.
The manner of death was ruled a suicide.
The New York State Police were assisted by Lisbon Fire and Rescue, Waddington Fire and Rescue and the St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department.
