PLATTSBURGH — A local woman is now being held without bail, accused of killing Ravin Miller and then staging his death to look like a suicide.

Kathryn A. Shoemaker was taken into custody for second-degree murder Tuesday night, less than two days after State Police officially declared the 51-year-old contractor’s death a homicide.

Authorities believe Shoemaker, a 33-year-old mother of two, strangled Miller in his Route 11 home in Churubusco, where his father discovered him dead Aug. 20, the day after authorities believe he was killed.

Shoemaker was arraigned in Plattsburgh Town Court early Wednesday morning and has yet to enter a plea on the charge, which accuses her of intentionally causing the local landscaper’s death.

She is now being represented by attorney Allan Cruikshank and is due back in court at 4 p.m. today for an appearance.

After her arraignment, Shoemaker was sent to Clinton County Jail, where she declined a Press-Republican request for an interview Wednesday.

‘GREAT MOTHER’

As police continue to investigate the case against her, Shoemaker’s family is defending their loved one against the allegations.

“She is a very good, hard-working person, and she is a great mother,” said her younger sister, Carrie Mauer.

“She and Ravin were friends, and she wouldn’t have hurt him for anything. The only way she would have done anything is if she was defending herself.

“My sister is not malicious in any way, and this is so unjust what they’re saying about her. It’s just wrong.”

Mauer said her sister had returned to the area about five years ago from Pennsylvania so she could be closer to relatives.

She said the arrest has been extremely difficult for her family to accept.