At a Glance
- Robert S. Buskey Jr. pled guilty to second-degree murder and a drug charge on Jan. 23.
- He faces 27 years to life in prison when sentenced on March 27.
- The case stemmed from a 5-year-old daughter locked in a bedroom for months, leading to her death by dehydration and starvation.
Why it matters: The case highlights extreme child neglect and the legal consequences for parents who abandon their children.
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A Schenectady, N.Y., man has been sentenced to 27 years to life in prison after pleading guilty to the murder of his 5-year-old daughter, Charlotte Buskey, and a felony drug charge. Robert S. Buskey Jr., 35, admitted he locked his daughter in a bedroom without food or water for months while he used drugs and played video games.
Background of the Case
First responders arrived at Buskey’s home on April 14, 2024 after a call about an unresponsive child. Investigators described the scene as a “house of horrors,” with Charlotte’s emaciated body locked in a bedroom and a makeshift cage in the dining room where Buskey kept his 3-year-old son. Prosecutors said the children had been isolated from family, medical care, and school.
> “Their world shrunk to the confines of Mr. Buskey’s deplorable home, and ultimately, for Charlotte, the confines of her bedroom in which Mr. Buskey kept her locked, and Jackson, in his cage, so Mr. Buskey could do drugs, play video games, and not be bothered by his children,” prosecutors said.
Buskey installed a lock on the bedroom door and reinforced it with tape after discovering Charlotte could escape by jiggling the handle.
Plea and Sentencing Details
On Jan. 23, Buskey pleaded guilty in Schenectady County Court before Judge Matthew J. Sypniewski. Under the plea agreement, he will receive the maximum sentence allowed by law:
- 25 years to life for the second-degree murder conviction
- An additional 2 years for the criminal sale of a controlled substance to a child
The total sentence is 27 years to life, to be imposed on March 27. Buskey waived his right to appeal, and an order of protection will prohibit him from any contact with his now-5-year-old son.
> “In pleading guilty, Buskey admitted that under circumstances evincing a depraved indifference to human life, he recklessly engaged in conduct that created a grave risk of serious injury or death to his daughter,” the DA’s office said.
Conditions of the Home
- Charlotte had no bed; only a small pack-and-play forced her to lie in a fetal position.
- She was left without food, water, or human contact, even though the home stocked food, including boxes located just outside her locked bedroom door.
- Both children tested positive for cocaine.
- An autopsy later determined Charlotte died from dehydration and starvation, and her body was completely devoid of food.
Buskey had previously competed as an amateur mixed-martial-arts fighter in local Cage Wars events.
Legal and Judicial Process
Buskey has remained in custody since his arrest in April 2024. His attorney, Joseph Litz, could not be reached for comment. The Schenectady County District Attorney’s Office released a statement outlining the plea agreement and sentencing schedule.
The case underscores the severity of child neglect and the legal system’s response to such crimes. The judge’s decision to impose the maximum sentence reflects the court’s view of the gravity of Buskey’s actions.
Impact and Statements
The community reacted with shock and grief. The DA’s office emphasized that Buskey’s conduct demonstrated “depraved indifference to human life,” a standard that carries the harshest penalties.
> “Under circumstances evincing a depraved indifference to human life, he recklessly engaged in conduct that created a grave risk of serious injury or death to his daughter,” the DA’s office stated.
The case also highlights the importance of vigilance in monitoring child welfare and the role of law enforcement in protecting vulnerable children.
Key Takeaways
- Robert S. Buskey Jr. pled guilty to second-degree murder and a drug charge, facing 27 years to life.
- Charlotte Buskey, 5, died after being locked in a bedroom for months without food or water.
- The case demonstrates the legal consequences of extreme child neglect and the court’s willingness to impose maximum sentences.
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The sentencing will take place on March 27, and the community will continue to watch the proceedings closely as the legal process unfolds.
