A woman from Long Island who witnessed the fatal shooting of Paul Kutz, father of a Marist College student, at the Poughkeepsie Marriott is suing the hotel for $50 million and revealing frightening new facts about the murder.
Tina Martirano of Suffolk County alleged in her claim that she shared her morning coffee with Kutz, whom she had met with his wife at the hotel’s gym, on the morning of October 2 before he was murdered.
According to Martirano’s lawsuit, hotel employees laughed at the alleged killer’s abnormal behavior and then abandoned guests moments before he opened fire. Martirano was in the hotel for the Family Weekend at Marist.
Tina spotted a disturbance in the lobby during her talk with Kutz, according to the court statement, which claims Martirano experienced “severe emotional anguish” as a result.
“Defendant [Roy] Johnson abruptly appeared from the passage leading to the rooms on the first level with both hands stuffed deep into his pockets, wearing only underwear beneath his trench coat, a ski mask, and yelling obscenities.”
Martirano stated that Johnson “then proceeded to cruise the lobby, engaging with Marriott staff, all of whom appeared to recognize him and laugh off his plainly odd conduct.”
“Unlike Marriott employees, Tina and Paul were disturbed by Defendant Johnson’s actions, and Tina motioned to many Marriott employees to cease laughing at Johnson,” according to the lawsuit. “Shortly thereafter, Defendant Johnson drew a revolver and began brandishing it in the air while ranting angrily.
After that, everyone in the lobby, including Marriott employees, ran to safety, leaving Tina and Paul behind.
She stated that she and Kutz, 53, were “stuck” between the escape doors and where they were sitting when Johnson approached them with a revolver, and she warned Kutz not to speak to or even look at the suspect.
Tina believed that Defendant Johnson might begin firing if Paul made verbal contact with him, therefore she instructed Paul to avoid eye contact. “Defendant Johnson then raised his arm, brandished the gun, and opened fire on Paul before Paul could attempt to calm him down.”
Martirano stated in her lawsuit that she witnessed Kutz die after falling from his chair.
Kutz was a three-time married accountant from East Northport, Long Island. He was slain while wearing a Marist College T-shirt.
Authorities have only stated that Johnson opened fire after a dispute with hotel workers.
Police have already charged 35-year-old Johnson and his alleged accomplice, Devin Taylor, with disposing of the firearm.
Martirano claimed in her lawsuit that the incident caused her “disabling” psychological harm.
Her lawsuit stated, “She is unable to cope, function as a member of society, or return to her place of employment.”
She alleged, among other things, that the defendants failed to provide “reasonably adequate” security for guests.
The case, which was filed on Tuesday, names the hotel as well as the property owners, the management firm, and the two shooters as defendants.
Last month, both Johnson and Taylor pleaded not guilty during their arraignments.