Hudson man found guilty of attempted murder

HUDSON, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- A Columbia County Jury found a Hudson man guilty on all charges against him in connection to an assault in March 2024. According to the Columbia County District Attorney's Office, Orlando Williams, 55, was found guilty on seven charges including attempted murder and kidnapping.

On March 14, the Hudson Police Department and the Columbia County Sheriff's Office responded to reports of an active domestic incident involving weapons in the city. When they arrived, they discovered Williams allegedly took the victim, his former girlfriend, off of her porch, threw her against a car and then dragged her down a nearby hill and threatened to kill her.

Police also reported Williams allegedly tried to stab and choke the victim, while her boyfriend called 911 and intervened in the incident. Williams reportedly fled the scene before police arrived, but was arrested the next day in Greene County.

Williams was charged with second-degree attempted murder, second-degree kidnapping, second-degree strangulation, third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, and first-degree criminal contempt.

On March 19, he was indicted by a Columbia County Grand Jury on the five charges above, with two additional charges, including second degree assault and first-degree unlawful imprisonment.

According to the DA's Office, an investigation showed that Williams repeatedly attempted to stab the woman, but the blade did not pierce her skin. Williams was reportedly arrested two days prior to the incident in connection to another attempted assault of the same victim, where an order of protection was issued.

After a four-day trial, Williams was found guilty on all charges. He faces a sentence of eight to 25 years in prison.

"I am grateful to the jurors for what I believe is a just verdict. Mr. Williams will no longer be a threat to the victim or the people of this County," Columbia County District Attorney Chris Liberati-Conant said. "I commend Chief Assistant (Cheryl) Botts, the Hudson Police Department, and all involved law enforcement agencies for their diligent and professional work on this case."

Williams was remanded back to the Columbia County Jail, where he is being held without bail since his arrest. He is scheduled for sentencing on June 17.