Elma, New York resident Frank J. Litterio, 61, was charged with the second-degree murder of his girlfriend, Jill Harris, 62, after fatally shooting her with a crossbow. The incident unfolded on December 13, 2023, within the house they shared.

Responding to a 911 call for a welfare check around 5 p.m., Erie County Sheriff’s deputies found Harris deceased on the couch, with crossbow bolt injuries. Litterio was discovered at the scene with injuries likely self-inflicted. Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn noted that Litterio’s injuries did not stem from the crossbow.

An autopsy determined Harris was struck by arrows from the crossbow three times, to the abdomen, face, and chest areas.

Erie County Undersheriff Bill Cooley addressed the media, highlighting the calculated nature of the attack, given the preparation required to operate a crossbow.

Litterio and Harris had been living together for roughly 15 years in Litterio’s residence on West Blood Road.

Litterio was formally arraigned on December 15, 2023, from his bed at the Erie County Medical Center, where he was being treated for various self-afflicted wounds. He was ordered to be held without bail until a hearing scheduled for late January 2024.

Conviction on the murder charge could result in a life sentence with a minimum of 25 years. 

The case remains under the scrutiny of the Erie County Sheriff’s Office and the New York State Police, with the Homicide Bureau’s Chief Gary W. Hackbush at the helm of the prosecution.

The post-mortem examination confirmed Harris had survived several hours after being shot with the arrows.

Authorities suggest the method of the attack implies a level of forethought by Litterio. His attorney, Herb Greenman, has withheld comments on the proceedings.

Litterio is currently incarcerated at the Erie County Medical Center, with the forthcoming court hearing anticipated to offer more insights into the case and Litterio’s defense.