John L. Ballam, 63, of Pulteney, New York, was shot to death inside the home he shared with his wife on October 29, 2020. Initial reports described a possible home invasion and robbery, prompting a large police response and temporary protective steps in the nearby community. Investigators soon found inconsistencies with the stranger-intruder account and focused on evidence inside the house.

New York State Police arrested Sherri A. Ballam and charged her with second-degree murder, accusing her of killing John, disassembling and discarding the gun, and staging the scene to look like a burglary. Prosecutors later added counts related to tampering with physical evidence and falsifying business records. Sherri Ballam ultimately pleaded guilty to the indictment and was sentenced to 15 years to life in state prison. Court filings described alleged financial motives and that John had been carrying out ordinary tasks when he was shot.

Does anyone have information about the days leading up to October 29, 2020, or about the household circumstances that might shed more light on what happened?