Williamson, N.Y. — A quiet town in Wayne County is grappling with heartbreak and unanswered questions following the tragic death of Cheryl Goodberlet, a 66-year-old Williamson resident whose life was cut short under violent and mysterious circumstances.
According to New York State Police, troopers discovered Goodberlet’s body around 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday during a welfare check at her apartment on Arrowbend Drive. Authorities confirmed that she showed signs of trauma, and an autopsy conducted Thursday by the Monroe County Medical Examiner’s Office determined her death to be a homicide.
The announcement has sent shockwaves through the close-knit community of Williamson, where Cheryl was well known as a kind and gentle neighbor, someone who always took time to greet others and lend a hand when needed. Those who knew her describe her as compassionate and dependable — a woman who cherished her friends, her home, and the simple joys of small-town life.
“She was one of those people who made you feel seen and cared for,” said one longtime neighbor. “It’s heartbreaking to think of what happened to her. She didn’t deserve this.”
The New York State Police have not yet made any arrests, and the circumstances surrounding her death remain unclear. Investigators continue to piece together what led to the tragedy, and they are urging anyone with information to come forward.
“We are asking for the public’s help,” state police said in a statement. “If anyone saw or heard anything unusual in the area of Arrowbend Drive, please reach out. Even the smallest detail could be important.”
The news of Cheryl’s death has sparked an outpouring of sorrow and concern among Williamson residents, many of whom are struggling to comprehend the violence that struck so close to home. Community members have been leaving flowers and notes outside her apartment building, expressing both grief and solidarity in the wake of the shocking loss.
Friends remember Cheryl as someone who loved nature, enjoyed gardening, and could often be found tending to her plants or chatting with neighbors on her porch. Her kindness, they say, was quiet but powerful — the kind that rippled outward in small acts of generosity and warmth.
While police continue to search for answers, the community of Williamson mourns the loss of one of its own, holding on to memories of Cheryl’s laughter, compassion, and unwavering strength.
Her death serves as a sobering reminder of the need for vigilance and care in protecting one another — and of the importance of community unity in the face of tragedy.
Anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact New York State Police at (585) 398-4100 or email crimetip@troopers.ny.gov. All tips may be kept confidential.
As Williamson grieves, one message echoes through the hearts of those she touched: Cheryl Goodberlet will not be forgotten. Her life, though ended far too soon, remains a testament to kindness, friendship, and the enduring strength of a caring community.
May she rest in peace, and may justice be found.