Glens Falls Man Sentenced to 25 Years for 2024 Schenectady Murder

Corydon Carlton convicted of second-degree murder for killing girlfriend Renee Stratton

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Corydon Carlton, 41, of Glens Falls, New York, was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for the 2024 murder of his 49-year-old girlfriend Renee Stratton in Schenectady. Carlton was found guilty of second-degree murder in December 2025 for brutally beating Stratton over a three-hour period at the Imperial Motel, causing fatal injuries.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of domestic violence and the need for stronger interventions to protect victims. The lengthy sentence reflects the severity of Carlton's actions and the local district attorney's commitment to prosecuting violent crimes.

The details

Detectives found that Carlton beat Stratton repeatedly over the course of three hours, causing brutal injuries to her torso, head, ribs, liver, pancreas, and lungs. Stratton was declared dead at the scene, while Carlton fled but was later apprehended by Schenectady Police in August 2024.

  • On July 21, 2024, Carlton attacked and killed Renee Stratton at the Imperial Motel in Schenectady.
  • In August 2024, Carlton was taken into custody by Schenectady Police.
  • In December 2025, Carlton was found guilty of second-degree murder.
  • On February 20, 2026, Carlton was sentenced to 25 years to life in state prison.

The players

Corydon Carlton

A 41-year-old man from Glens Falls, New York, who was convicted of second-degree murder for killing his 49-year-old girlfriend Renee Stratton.

Renee Stratton

Carlton's 49-year-old girlfriend who was killed by Carlton in a brutal attack at the Imperial Motel in Schenectady in 2024.

Nicolaus McDonald

An assistant district attorney who prosecuted the case against Carlton.

Elizabeth Woodward

An assistant district attorney who prosecuted the case against Carlton.

John Madden

An investigator who assisted in the prosecution of the case against Carlton.

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The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing need for stronger interventions and support systems to protect victims of domestic violence. The lengthy sentence handed down to Carlton reflects the severity of his actions and the local district attorney's commitment to prosecuting violent crimes, but more work is needed to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the first place.