American man of Tioga county charged with murder after investigation into death of his mother

The Tioga County Sheriff's Office charged James L. Kvassay, 33, with second-degree murder following an investigation into the death of 78-year-old Phyllis L. Kvassay.

By Edward Era Barbacena

A white man of Tioga County who was charged last week with violating an order of protection is now accused of murder in connection with the death of his mother.

The Tioga County Sheriff's Office charged James L. Kvassay, 33, with second-degree murder following an investigation into the death of 78-year-old Phyllis L. Kvassay.

Sheriff's deputies responded Tuesday afternoon to Phyllis Kvassay's home at 2230 Day Hollow Road in the Town of Owego to conduct a wellness check after receiving a phone call request.

Deputies discovered Phyllis was dead and noted indications of a disturbance, the sheriff's office said. They also encountered James Kvassay at the residence and detained him.

Following a preliminary investigation, the sheriff's office charged Kvassay with murder, alleging he intentionally caused the death of his mother.

On Dec. 30, Kvassay was charged with first-degree criminal contempt for allegedly violating an order of protection, according to the sheriff's office, which didn't indicate if the two incidents were related.

Kvassay was released on his own recognizance after that arrest.

Kvassay was arraigned on the murder charge in Tioga County Centralized Arraignment Part Court and committed to the Tioga County Jail without bail.

The Tioga County Sheriff's Office was assisted at the scene by the New York State Police, Tioga County District Attorney's Office, Campville EMS and Tioga County Coroner's Office.