First Street looking toward back of 100 Block of East Second Street (Google Maps)

A body of a man was discovered behind a building on East Second Street in downtown Jamestown Monday afternoon.

Jamestown Police say the body of a white man was recovered from a wooded area behind the 100 block of East Second Street.

Investigators are working to confirm the identify of the man with family members with the County Forensic Investigation Unit and County Coroner assisting.

Police say the situation is suspicious and the investigation is continuing.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Jamestown Police at 716-483-7537. Anonymous Tips can be left on the department’s Anonymous Tip Line at 716 483-Tips (8477). All calls and tips are kept confidential.

The issue came up Tuesday as part of budget discussions with the legislature’s Administrative Services Committee.

The Coroners are asking for an increase and change in fee structure. Currently the coroners are paid $80 per day for a 24-hour period. They want to see that increased to $150 per case, instead of the current rate of pay at $80 per day. According to the coroners, the proposed rate is similar to what other counties in the state are currently paying.  Lawmakers said they will take the request into consideration as they continue to discussion the budget.

The coroner’s role includes confirming and certifying the deaths of individuals. Chautauqua County coroners handled 866 cases in 2016.

The County Legislature is currently reviewing the budget for 2018, with a deadline of approving a final spending plan Dec. 1, 2017.

Allen Witruke

JAMESTOWN – The Jamestown man accused in the double homicide that took place Tuesday morning on Barrows street has pleaded not guilty to two charges of 2^nd degree murder.

51-year-old Allen Witruke was arraigned in Jamestown city court Wednesday morning. He is being held without bail until his next court date in Chautauqua County Court will take place on December 16.

Witruke is accused of killing two people whose bodies were discovered Tuesday morning, Dec. 8, at 235 Barrows St. On Wednesday Jamestown Police Captain Robert Samuelson identified the victims as 52-year-old Catherine Witruke – Witruke’s wife – and 34-year-old Eric Washburn – Witruke’s step son.

Samuelson also said that Witruke allegedly used blunt force trauma on one of the victims and also stabbed both victims multiple times causing their death. Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene Tuesday by the Chautauqua County Coroner and the bodies are currently undergoing an autopsy at the Erie County Medical Examiners Office.

Following the discovery of the bodies a brief manhunt took place, with Witruke being located and taken into custody early Tuesday afternoon in Olean by members of the Olean Police Department.

Police have not released any details into the motive behind the homicides. Other news outlets are reporting that Witruke’s home was about to be foreclosed on and the individuals serving the foreclosure papers Tuesday morning are the ones who discovered the bodies the two victims.

In addition to the administrative services committee, the county’s public facilities committee will also meet at 4p.m. today. Among the items on the agenda is a new lease agreement for Cornell Cooperative Extension for its use of space in the Frank W. Bratt County Agricultural Center in the Town of Ellicott.

Both meetings will take place in room 331 of the Gerace office building and are open to the public.