Williamson Community Devastated After 66-Year-Old Cheryl Goodberlet Found Dead at Home
WILLIAMSON, NEW YORK — The small town of Williamson has been shaken to its core following the tragic and unsettling death of 66-year-old Cheryl Goodberlet, who was found deceased inside her home on Arrowbend Drive earlier this week. According to New York State Police, officers were called to the residence after a welfare check was requested by someone who had been unable to reach Cheryl for several days.
When troopers arrived at the quiet suburban home, they discovered Cheryl with visible signs of trauma, immediately prompting them to secure the scene and call in detectives. The Monroe County Medical Examiner’s Office later confirmed that her death was the result of homicidal violence, marking the case as one of Williamson’s most distressing incidents in years.
The discovery has stunned this close-knit Wayne County community, where violent crimes are exceedingly rare. Neighbors describe Cheryl as a gentle, kind-hearted woman who had lived on Arrowbend Drive for decades and was known for her warmth, generosity, and deep connection to her family.
“She was the type of neighbor who always waved, always asked how you were doing,” said one longtime resident. “Everyone knew Cheryl. It’s hard to imagine something like this happening here.”
Investigators from the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), assisted by the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, have launched an extensive probe into the homicide. Detectives have been canvassing the neighborhood, interviewing residents, and reviewing potential security footage from nearby homes in hopes of identifying any suspicious activity in the area.
Authorities have not yet released details regarding a possible suspect or motive but have emphasized that there is no immediate threat to the public. Still, the uncertainty has left many residents uneasy, with police patrols increasing in the normally quiet neighborhood.
The Medical Examiner’s Office has not disclosed the specific cause of death out of respect for the ongoing investigation, though officials confirmed that the evidence clearly indicated foul play. Cheryl’s home remains under active examination by forensic teams as investigators work to reconstruct the sequence of events leading up to her death.
Family members and close friends have been left devastated by the loss. Cheryl, who was retired, spent much of her time gardening, baking for friends, and volunteering at local community events. Those who knew her say she had a nurturing soul and was always the first to lend a helping hand.
“She loved her family more than anything,” said a family acquaintance. “This has just crushed everyone who knew her. She didn’t deserve this — nobody does.”
The Williamson Central School District and several local organizations have expressed condolences to the Goodberlet family, describing her as someone who made a quiet but lasting impact on those around her.
New York State Police have urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward, stressing that even the smallest tip could prove critical. They are encouraging residents who may have seen unfamiliar vehicles or individuals in the Arrowbend Drive area to contact State Police Troop E Headquarters or the Wayne County 911 dispatch center.
As the investigation continues, the community is rallying together, holding vigils and prayer services to honor Cheryl’s memory. Flowers and candles now line the sidewalk outside her home, symbols of love and remembrance for a woman whose kindness touched many.
Cheryl Goodberlet’s passing has left a void in the heart of Williamson — a painful reminder of how fragile life can be, even in the most peaceful of places. As her loved ones wait for justice, they cling to memories of her laughter, her compassion, and her unwavering generosity.
Her life, once filled with light and love, will not be forgotten.