Man sentenced for manslaughter released early from prison (Developing Story)

Andrew Pilcher. (Photo Source: Cortland Police Department).

(Editor’s Note: This is a developing story. The Cortland Voice will provide further details as it becomes available)

A Cortland man who was sentenced to state prison in April 2019 for second-degree manslaughter was released from prison on Monday, according to a notice from the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.

Andrew Pilcher was sentenced to 4-to-12 years in prison at Cortland County Court on April 18, 2019, after he fatally stabbed Damian S. Grant during the summer of 2018 on Main Street in the city.

The incident occurred during the early-morning hours of Aug. 29, 2018 outside Pilcher’s upper-floor apartment on Main Street. 

In his statement to police, Pilcher said he defended himself during a fight with Grant by using a key. Evidence from an autopsy and a sworn statement by an EMT officer at the scene contradicted that claim. Grant sustained a 2.5 cm laceration in his chest that was consistent with a knife wound.

Pilcher was originally indicted on charges of first-degree manslaughter, second-degree manslaughter, and tampering with physical evidence, all felonies, as well as fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon, a misdemeanor.

Pleading not guilty at first, Pilcher was due to face up to 25 years in prison. However, in Feb. 2019, he pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter and faced a sentencing no worse than 4-to-12 years in prison.

Further details on Pilcher’s release from prison Monday remains to be seen. The Cortland Voice will provide updates once they have been received.