Former Hi Tor volunteer killed in double murder–suicide at K9 training facility in Catskill
State police say the incident happened on Dec. 12 when troopers responded at approximately 12:18 p.m. to Specter K9, located at 67 Forest View Dr. in Catskill.
A man remembered for his years caring for rescued animals in Rockland County has been identified as one of two victims in what New York State Police are investigating as a double murder–suicide at a canine training property in Greene County.
State police say the incident happened on Dec. 12 when troopers responded at approximately 12:18 p.m. to Specter K9, located at 67 Forest View Dr. in Catskill.
When officers searched the property, they found 34-year-old Clifford Beauchard, a former volunteer at the Hi Tor Animal Shelter in Pomona, and 19-year-old Justin Acevedo dead from gunshot wounds.
Both worked at the facility.
Acevedo was the owner’s son.
Police say the alleged shooter — 22-year-old Connor Provo, who was also employed at Specter K9 — called 911 and reported that he had “killed his friends.”
Troopers found him dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound inside a trailer on the property.
Beauchard and Acevedo were found in a separate building.
Friends who spoke with News 12 said Beauchard had been trying to rebuild his life through animal rescue and canine training after the change in management at Hi Tor ended his time there in 2023. They described him as gentle, patient, and devoted to animal welfare.
“He put his entire life into helping. He never stopped giving,” said Jennifer Sumprer, a fellow animal rescuer.
“It’s incomprehensible that the world lost someone like Cliff and Justin doing what the world had planned for them,” said Kimberly Van Hein, former Hi Tor board president.
A GoFundMe created in the victims’ names has raised thousands of dollars. Organizers say the donations will be used to help animals, reflecting the work Beauchard dedicated his life to.
