Brockport, N.Y. – The family of the student killed Saturday in her dorm room at the College at Brockport identifies the woman as 18-year-old Alexandra Kogut. The freshman was from New Hartford, N.Y.
Kogut's boyfriend, Clayton Whittemore, 21, was arraigned hours after she was found on a charge of second-degree murder. Whittemore, also from New Hartford, was arrested at a service station in Dewitt off the New York State Thruway.
Kogut's body was found by campus police. Kogut's mother had alerted them she couldn't get in touch with her daughter. Authorities say Kogut had extensive trauma to her upper body and described the crime as "brutal."
"It's tragic when anyone loses their life," said Robert Kehoe of the Brockport Campus Police. "When a young lady who's a college student and apparently in a safe environment, is brutally murdered as this young lady was, it's certainly a tragedy for her family and friends and the entire Brockport college community."
Students tell us they are saddened by the death of their classmate.
“I'm shocked,” said Freshman Nicole Jennings. “I didn't think anything like this would ever happen at college, or anything but it happened and we're all just dealing with it the best that we can.”
Brockport has set up a temporary Parent Hotline for question and concerns from parents. That number is 585-734-3925.
Kogut's family released the following statement:
"Alexandra Kogut was a bright, beautiful young woman who was thrilled to be beginning her college education. Her lovely and sweet demeanor was truly infectious and she will forever be missed. Her family is very grateful for the tremendous outpouring of love and support that they have received from so many friends and neighbors. They ask that their privacy be respected during this time of grief. The family will make no further comment."
