**EMT Strangles Ex-Wife and Burns Body in House Fire: A Shocking Tale of Betrayal and Murder**
In a chilling story that has captivated a small town and shocked a nation, Paul Novak, a former emergency medical technician (EMT), has been found guilty of murdering his estranged wife, Katherine Novak, and subsequently burning their home to conceal his crime. The tragedy unfolded in the quaint hamlet of Narrowsburg, New York, where Katherine, a devoted mother and community volunteer, was found dead amidst the charred remains of her home on December 17, 2011.
The events leading to this horrific crime began as the couple’s marriage deteriorated amid growing tensions. Katherine had moved to Narrowsburg seeking a peaceful life for her two children, while Paul frequently commuted to his job in New York City. As suspicions of infidelity arose, Katherine learned of Paul’s affair with Michelle Le France, a younger EMT trainee. Shockingly, Katherine even attempted to befriend Michelle, hoping to ensure her children’s well-being.
On that fateful morning, a neighbor spotted Katherine’s house engulfed in flames and called for help. Firefighters arrived to find the house nearly reduced to ashes, and sadly, Katherine’s body was discovered in the basement. Initial assessments suggested the fire was accidental, but investigators quickly found evidence that pointed to foul play. Notably, Katherine’s autopsy revealed no smoke in her lungs, indicating she had died before the fire started. Additionally, she had suffered three dislocated ribs, suggesting she had been physically assaulted prior to her death.
Despite having an apparent alibi—being with his mistress at the time of the fire—Paul Novak remained under suspicion. He had collected a substantial insurance payout following Katherine’s death, totaling $800,000, which included $300,000 for their home and $500,000 for Katherine’s life insurance. This financial motive raised red flags for investigators, who realized the case was far from cold.
The investigation took a dramatic turn when Michelle Le France, feeling guilty and fearful, contacted authorities years later and provided startling details about the murder. She claimed that Paul had meticulously planned Katherine’s death, intending to incapacitate her with chloroform before setting the house ablaze. Michelle alleged that Paul had enlisted the help of another EMT, Scott Sherwood, to carry out the crime.
Sherwood corroborated Michelle’s account, revealing that he had driven Paul to Katherine’s house the night of the murder. He claimed Paul had told him, “It’s done,” after returning from the scene. With this new evidence, police arrested Paul Novak, who maintained his innocence throughout the investigation and trial.
In a courtroom filled with emotion, the jury ultimately found Paul Novak guilty of first-degree murder. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, while Scott Sherwood received a lighter sentence for conspiracy, reflecting his cooperation with authorities. Michelle Le France walked away without charges, having provided crucial testimony that helped seal Novak’s fate.
The tragedy of Katherine Novak’s death has left a lasting impact on the tight-knit community of Narrowsburg, where she was known for her warmth and dedication to her family. As the dust settles on this devastating case, the haunting question remains: how could a life filled with promise and love end in such betrayal and violence? The story serves as a grim reminder of the darker aspects of human relationships and the lengths to which some may go to fulfill their desires, leaving behind a trail of heartbreak and loss.
