Scott Hornoff

Providence County, RI

Scott Hornoff

Aug 11, 1989

Jeffrey Scott Hornoff, a Warwick Police Detective, was convicted of bludgeoning to death Victoria Cushman with a fire extinguisher and a porcelain jewelry box. Following the murder, Hornoff denied being anything other than friends with Cushman. Detectives knew otherwise and Hornoff soon admitted that he had two sexual encounters with her. Hornoff's alibi was that he was at a party with his wife and friends on the night of the murder. People at the party confirmed his presence. A grand jury considered the evidence, but did not indict him.

The Rhode Island State Patrol took over the investigation in 1991 and Hornoff was indicted in 1994. At trial in 1996, the prosecution dismissed his alibi, saying he slipped away from the party and returned without anyone noticing his absence. Hornoff's initial claim of only having been friends with Cushman was presented as evidence that he tried to cover-up the murder. Hornoff was sentenced to life in prison and, in 1999, the Rhode Island Supreme Court unanimously rejected his appeal.

Realistically, it was time for Hornoff to abandon hope. But then a miracle occurred. On Nov. 1, 2002, Todd Barry walked into the attorney general's office and confessed to murdering Cushman. Barry said he was consumed with guilt that an innocent man was serving time for a crime that he committed. Barry's confession revealed how the murder investigation had focused exclusively on Hornoff. Barry lived near Cushman, had dated her on and off, his name and number were near the front of her Rolodex, and he was known to her friends. Yet he was never questioned about the murder, either by the Warwick PD, or by the state police.

Hornoff was soon released and cleared of all charges. In 2006, Hornoff was awarded $600,000 plus $47,000 a year for life from the City of Warwick. He may also be awarded additional money from the Rhode Island State Patrol. (American Justice) (caught.net) (JD33 p10) (TruthInJustice) (TIJ2) (CrimeLibrary) [7/07]