Robert S. Buskey Jr., 35, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and to supplying a controlled substance to a child after his 5-year-old daughter, Charlotte, died from dehydration and starvation while locked in a bedroom. Investigators say the children were isolated for months; Charlotte was emaciated and the 3-year-old son was found in a makeshift cage. Both children tested positive for cocaine. Buskey accepted the maximum plea — 25 years to life for murder plus two years for the drug charge — and will be sentenced on March 27.
Ex-Amateur MMA Fighter Pleads Guilty After Daughter Starved To Death; Son Found Caged
Robert Buskey Jr., Charlotte BuskeySchenectady County Sheriff; Instagram
Robert S. Buskey Jr., 35, of Schenectady, N.Y., has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and supplying a controlled substance to a child after prosecutors say his 5-year-old daughter, Charlotte, died of dehydration and starvation while locked inside a bedroom.
Robert S. Buskey Jr.Schenectady County Sheriff
Buskey entered his plea on Jan. 23 in Schenectady County Court before Judge Matthew J. Sypniewski. Under a plea agreement announced by the Schenectady County District Attorney’s Office, he accepted the maximum sentence: 25 years to life for murder plus an additional two years for the drug conviction, for an effective total of 27 years to life. Sentencing is scheduled for March 27.
Charlotte BuskeyInstagram
Crime Scene and Charges
First responders were called to Buskey’s home on April 14, 2024, after reports of an unresponsive child. Investigators described the residence as a "house of horrors," finding Charlotte emaciated and locked inside a bedroom. In the dining room they discovered a makeshift cage where Buskey had kept his 3-year-old son. An autopsy determined Charlotte died from dehydration and starvation.
Prosecutors say both children tested positive for cocaine, and Buskey also pleaded guilty to giving a narcotic to his young son. Court papers state Buskey admitted his actions were taken "under circumstances evincing a depraved indifference to human life," recklessly creating a grave risk that resulted in Charlotte’s death.
Conditions Inside The Home
Investigators reported that Charlotte had no regular bed — only a pack-and-play so small she was forced to lie curled up — and was left without food, water or meaningful human contact, despite food being available elsewhere in the house, including boxes just outside her locked door. Authorities say Buskey installed a lock on the outside of the bedroom door and reinforced it with tape after Charlotte had previously escaped by jiggling the handle.
Legal Outcome And Protective Measures
As part of his plea, Buskey waived his right to appeal. The court will issue an order of protection barring him from any contact with his surviving child. Buskey has remained in custody since his arrest in April 2024.
Background
Local reports note Buskey previously competed as an amateur mixed martial arts fighter in regional Cage Wars events. His attorney, Joseph Litz, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Source: Schenectady County District Attorney’s Office; law enforcement reports.
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