POUGHKEEPSIE, NY – A deep tragedy has cast a long shadow over the Poughkeepsie community following the heartbreaking and violent death of Olga Hinds-Coley, a cherished mother, neighbor, and friend. The 75-year-old woman was found fatally stabbed in her home on April 7, 2025, a loss made all the more painful by the fact that her daughter, 50-year-old Denise Gilpin, has been charged with her murder.
On Tuesday, Gilpin entered a not guilty plea during an arraignment in Dutchess County Court, following her indictment by a grand jury. She had previously appeared in city court and had undergone a 730 psychiatric evaluation, a legal procedure to determine whether a defendant is mentally competent to stand trial. According to presiding Judge Jessica Segal, the results of the evaluation confirmed that Gilpin is fit to proceed with trial.
A Shocking Act of Violence
The circumstances of Hinds-Coley’s death have shaken the community. According to court documents and statements from law enforcement, the incident occurred between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on April 7 at 2 Oak Crescent Court, a quiet neighborhood on Poughkeepsie’s South Side.
Police were dispatched to the home after a 911 call came in shortly after 1 p.m. Upon arrival, officers discovered Hinds-Coley suffering from a stab wound to the chest. She was rushed to a nearby hospital but succumbed to her injuries soon after. Gilpin was found in a separate room of the home and was immediately taken to the police station for questioning. She was later named a person of interest, and ultimately, the primary suspect in her mother’s killing.
District Attorney: “A Family Torn Apart”
Dutchess County District Attorney Anthony Parisi called the case “incredibly heartbreaking,” emphasizing the deep emotional toll it has taken on surviving family members and the broader community.
“This is an incredibly heartbreaking case,” Parisi said. “A family torn apart by an act of violence that took the life of a mother at the hands of her own daughter. Our thoughts are with those grieving this unimaginable loss. While we cannot undo the tragedy, we are committed to seeking justice and accountability under the law.”
Courtroom Developments
During the arraignment, Judge Segal ruled that Gilpin will remain held without bail at the Dutchess County Jail, noting that she currently has no employment, income, or residence in the area.
Prosecutor Angela LoPane added that Gilpin had been living with her mother at the Oak Crescent address and has no other place to stay. No family members present at the arraignment came forward to offer her housing support. The court took that into account when issuing the no-bail ruling.
Remembering Olga Hinds-Coley
Though her life was taken under tragic circumstances, Olga Hinds-Coley’s memory is being honored by those who knew and loved her. A native of Jamaica and longtime resident of Poughkeepsie, she was described by friends and neighbors as a gentle, nurturing woman known for her warm spirit and welcoming home.
She had retired after a long career in healthcare and was active in her church and several local charities. Those who knew her speak of a woman who lived with grace, generosity, and quiet strength.
“Olga was a beautiful soul who lived for her family and her faith,” said a neighbor who placed flowers at her doorstep in the days after her passing. “She didn’t deserve this. No one does.”
What Comes Next
Gilpin’s next court date has not yet been publicly announced, but prosecutors are expected to move forward with a full trial. The case will likely hinge on both forensic evidence and the details of Gilpin’s mental health evaluation.
Meanwhile, loved ones of Olga Hinds-Coley continue to grieve and search for peace in the wake of an unimaginable loss.
A memorial service and celebration of life for Hinds-Coley is expected to be announced by her family in the coming weeks.
Anyone who wishes to honor her memory is encouraged to contribute to local domestic violence awareness programs or mental health organizations in her name.
“The pain of losing someone you love is always hard,” said one friend, “but when it’s under these circumstances, it’s unbearable. We will remember Olga not for how she died, but for the love and life she shared while she was with us.”
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