Delhi, N.Y. – A Delaware County jury has convicted a Davenport man of murder and several related charges following a three-week trial centered on the death of his wife.
District Attorney Shawn J. Smith announced Friday that jurors found Justin T. Valk, 49, guilty of second-degree murder, first-degree assault, and first-degree reckless endangerment, along with multiple drug possession charges tied to intent to sell.
The verdict was returned on January 23, 2026, concluding a trial that focused on events from the summer of 2022. Sentencing is scheduled for March 26, 2026.
According to prosecutors, the case stemmed from Valk’s arrest on August 5, 2022, following an investigation by the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation in Oneonta. Investigators determined that Valk’s wife, Stephanie Valk, suffered a medical emergency in early August of that year, and that Valk’s actions — or lack of action — recklessly led to her death.
At trial, the prosecution presented evidence showing that Valk recorded video of his wife while she was in medical distress and failed to seek help or provide assistance for more than 20 hours, despite clear signs that she was suffering. Authorities say that failure to render aid ultimately resulted in her death.
In a statement, District Attorney Smith said the jury’s verdict reflected the seriousness of Valk’s conduct and the evidence presented during the trial. Prosecutors argued that Valk’s behavior went beyond negligence, rising to the level of depraved indifference required for a second-degree murder conviction under New York law.
In addition to the murder and assault charges, jurors convicted Valk on three counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree, including two class “B” felonies and one class “D” felony, all involving intent to sell. A separate count of reckless endangerment was tied to the broader circumstances surrounding the incident.
The New York State Police credited cooperation with the district attorney’s office for the successful prosecution. In a statement, State Police thanked Smith for his “dedication and efforts” in bringing the case to trial.
Valk remains in custody pending sentencing. If convicted on the top count, he faces a potential sentence of 25 years to life in prison.
Image: Stephanie Valk, who died in 2022. Her husband, Justin Valk, was convicted Friday in Delaware County on murder and related felony charges. (Delaware County District Attorney’s Office)