Schenectady, NY — Bernard Alexander, 42, of Schenectady, pleaded guilty in Schenectady County Court to the murder of Philomen Henry, which occurred on May 22, 2023.
The incident took place in an apartment on Crane Street where Alexander and Henry lived together with Henry’s two children. The couple’s relationship had a history of domestic violence, including Alexander’s prior arrest and incarceration for violating an order of protection.
On the morning of the murder, a physical altercation between Alexander and Henry escalated. In a fit of rage, Alexander shot Henry multiple times before fleeing the scene.
Authorities quickly identified Alexander as the primary suspect, but he fled Schenectady and New York State. In August 2023, he was located in Scranton, Pennsylvania, living under an assumed name. A tip from Henry’s family led to his arrest with the help of the U.S. Marshals Service. Alexander was extradited to New York to face murder charges.
Alexander is scheduled to be sentenced on April 28, 2025, to a term of 20 years to life in prison. He was represented by attorney Mark J. Sacco, while Assistant District Attorneys Peter Willis and Marlena Mareno prosecuted the case.
