Two Incidents Of Beacon Deaths Not Included In Beacon Police Blotter Submitted To Media

At least two incidents that happened in Beacon in December 2021 involving violent death and several witnesses were not included the Police Blotter submitted by the Beacon Police Department to the Highlands Current, a weekly newspaper that covers Philipstown (Cold Spring) and Beacon.

Those incidents were: the stabbing of local “Scout” Rene Vivo on Christmas Day 12/25/2021 who later died, and the traffic accident on Teller Avenue and Main Street where a Jeep was turning left onto Teller Avenue from Main Street and struck a spritely grandmother and local, Carla Giuffrida, who later died. The blotter for the month of December reportedly included 535 calls, a few of which newspapers like the Highlands Current reprint.

The City of Beacon’s Daily Police Blotter that has not been updated since 11/7/2021. Last checked: 1/10/2022.

The Beacon Free Press used to publish in print select items from Beacon’s Police Blotter, but has not recently. The Highlands Current does publish the blotter digitally on their website, which you can find by doing a search for “blotter” on their website. The City of Beacon claims to publish a Daily Police Blotter, but it has not been updated since November 7, 2021.

To introduce their second article on the killing in the paper’s member newsletter, Editor Chip Rowe mentioned new news about the incident: “This week we have news of a homicide on Main Street in Beacon on Christmas Day (and the difficulty we've had getting any information about it from the police).”

When A Little Beacon Blog inquired to Chip about the new news, which involved a report of a previously unofficial assault (yet highly rumored incident) on 12/15/2021 revealed in the December 2021 Police Blotter submitted to the newspaper, he said that he had opened the Police Blotter emailed to him by the Police Department shortly after the Friday 1/7/2022 issue went to press. The 12/15/2021 assault was not included in the print edition of the newspaper, but was added to the digital version.

The blotter item for 12/15/2021 read: “Rene Vivo, 65, of Beacon, was charged with second-degree assault after an incident on Main Street.”

The description did not include if the assault was in response to any action, such as an act of defense, or if Rene was being followed and acted in self defense after being attacked, or any details about who the assault was done to.

The Highlands Current article included a memorial piece for a victim, “Scout” Rene Vivo, which included a list of dates covering information that was released by the Beacon Police Department regarding that stabbing days after the incident occurred. The Beacon Police Department made a public announcement about Scout’s stabbing on 12/30/2021, one day after ALBB published an article about the incident on 12/29/2021.

After noting that two major events were missing from the blotter of 535 calls, the curated blotter article published by the Highlands Current was edited to read: “Editor’s note: The information here is provided to The Current by the Beacon Police Department. It may not be complete; although state law treats police blotter records as public records, with some narrow exceptions, the department removed information about at least two serious incidents from the December blotter at its discretion. It may have removed items from past blotters, as well.” The editor then noted that the omitted incidents they are aware of had been added to the list, using brackets to set them apart.

A Little Beacon Blog has emailed Beacon Police Chief Sands Frost, City Administrator Chris White and Lieutenant Tom Figlia seeking a response from any of them as to why an item would be omitted from the police blotter submitted to a media outlet. As of this publishing, no response was given.

Said Kristin O’Neill, Assistant Director of the New York State Committee on Open Government, when asked by ALBB about police blotter legislation: "The Freedom of Information Law governs access to all government records and does not specifically address the availability of specific types of records. There is no law of which I am aware that requires that police blotter information be proactively disclosed. You may need to submit FOIL requests on a regular basis in order to receive all reports."

The Highlands Current submitted a FOIL request for a police report on the stabbing, and reported: “On Wednesday (Jan. 5), the department denied a Freedom of Information Law request for the police report on the [12/25/2021 “Scout” Rene Vivo] incident from The Current 29 minutes after it was submitted.

It is unknown if these incidents resulted in an open investigation, then perhaps they would not be included in the blotter. However, Mayor Kyriacou confirmed the stabbing incident to Mid Hudson News days after the event. The newspaper later deleted the article and his confirmation. Witnesses were at the scene of the traffic accident on Main Street and Teller Avenue earlier in the month. The police report for that incident has taken at least one month to be made available, according to people familiar with the investigation.

It is unknown how many open investigations there are total, and if those incidents were included in any blotter submitted to the media.

As of 12/23/2021, when ALBB inquired about the traffic accident involving the 11 year girl who was hit by a car while on her bike coming home from school crossing Verplanck and Matteawan that happened on 12/20/2021 (and was included in the December 2021 blotter), ALBB received this response from Lieutenant Figlia: “Sorry for delay in getting back to you. Going forward, please make any requests for information through the City Administrator’s Office.” ALBB has not received a response from the City Administrator’s Office since forwarding the emailed questions to City Administrator Chris White. Months ago, the City Administrator has also directed Beacon’s Parks and Recreation Director to not answer questions from ALBB. The City Administrator has not answered dozens of questions from ALBB since he was hired.

The two items added to the published blotter at the Highlands Current are as follows:

• [A pedestrian was struck by a car at Main Street and Teller Avenue and later died.] This was the pedestrian, Carla Giuffrida, 75 who was struck by a Jeep turning left from Main Street onto Teller Avenue on Wednesday, December 1, 2021.

• [A Beacon man was stabbed during an assault and later died at the hospital. He was later identified as Rene Vivo, 65]. This was “Scout” Rene Vivo, 65, who was stabbed on Saturday, December 25, 2021 and later died.

For the traffic accident involving Carla Giuffrida, the police report remained open and was not released to the public at least by the end of December. The Highlands Current had submitted a FOIL for it by mid-December and was denied. Sources familiar with the investigation confirmed that the police report had not been made public by the fourth week of December.

A car vs pedestrian accident involving an 11 year old girl being hit by a car on her bike while crossing Verplanck at Matteawan on Monday, December 20, 2021 was in the original police blotter submitted to the newspaper. According to sources familiar with the investigation, that police report had not been made public by January 5, 2021.

Rene "Scout" Vivo Celebration Of Life/Funeral Details Shared By His Family For Beaconites

“Scout” Rene Vivo (left) pictured with his sister Iris Colon. This wolf flyer designed by his niece Selaine Garcia.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE / FUNERAL
FOR “SCOUT” RENE VIVO
Where: Libby’s Funeral Home, 55 Teller Avenue
When: Sunday, January 9, 2022
Time: 1-4pm and 6-8pm

I never expected to hold part of Rene’s passing of life in my hands. I did not know his family name, nor his neighborhood name until after he died. He was a resolute walker around Beacon - his trail-making keeping time with Beacon as I know it. Without him, without seeing him walking on a regular basis, Beacon would not be what it is.

If he were to disappear - to not be here - a number of things could have happened. Maybe he didn’t live here. Maybe he found a better life somewhere else. Maybe he moved. Maybe he got adopted by some government services somewhere.

But none of those things happened. Instead, the man most people knew as a vision met his end on the streets of Beacon, at the hands of another, in broad daylight on Christmas Day, when not very many people were out. Rumors started. I received a text from a friend days later, asking if I knew anything about a stabbing incident, and that the person may have been Native American. I had not heard, I texted the friend, and went about my unboxing of Xmas gifts. The next day, readers of A Little Beacon Blog wrote in to ask the same question.

I’m not really on Facebook. So any chatter, I had not seen. Sensing something was wrong, I put my coat on and started pounding the pavement. If this happened, I needed to speak to people who may have been familiar with who I thought this may have happened to, if what people were saying was true.

There was no update on the Beacon Police Department Facebook page at the time of ALBB’s original article’s publishing on 12/29/2021. They are newly unresponsive to emails from ALBB anyway, as they were told to direct all questions now to the City Administrator, Chris White, who is also unresponsive - upon his declaration to filter his media responses months ago. On 12/30/2021, the Beacon Police have since put an update on their Facebook saying they are investigating a stabbing on Christmas Day, and to send information to them. Meanwhile, they do have access to video footage from city-owned cameras on Main Street to help in their search.

Upon my inquires, I learned that those who saw Rene on a daily basis had not seen him for days. There were stories of a bottle. Of a knife. Of something happening during the day. And at night. While I was out, another person reached out with information for someone who knew the people who called 911 when they saw Rene laying on the ground in front of their house on South Brett Street.

That would be the last time neighbors saw Rene alive.

Rene had been stabbed, by what the Beacon Police were originally calling a homicide, Mayor Lee Kyriacou confirmed to the Mid Hudson News. But that article has since been deleted, and another one published on a different page that scrubs the Mayor’s name from confirming the situation. However, the article still resides as a shadow in Google search results (pictured below), and the Highlands Current refers to it in their original article.

The Highlands Current reached out to the Mayor for comment when they were writing their article, and reported that they didn’t receive a reply from him. That newspaper usually does receive replies from the Mayor’s Office.

So far, none of the bad news stories that happened in December 2021 are indexing in the search results on the Mid Hudson News website when one does a search for “Beacon.” This would be the train jumper, the bridge jumper, the missing young adult female, the spritely grandmother pedestrian killed by car turning left from Main Street to Teller Avenue, and Rene. Maybe their website is just wonky. It happens. However, the Mid Hudson News is also calling a recent suicide by train as a “trespasser,” when several Beaconites were standing next to him when he jumped. Three suicides that we know about happened in Beacon in December. And one murder.

Who Is “Scout” Rene Vivo”?

Upon publishing my first article of his passing, many people in the community were shook. Some who knew him deeply but did not know his name responded in disbelief. Sadness continued to spread. People who did have a relationship with him began sharing their stories on our social shares and article Comments. Some of those comments have been republished at the bottom of this article.

“Scout” Rene Vivo the man and the soul began emerging. He lived in the apartment complex of Forrestal Heights. He was a Marine. He was a Vietnam Veteran. His family reached out to ALBB. First his niece, Selaine Garcia of Beacon, and then his sister (Selaine’s mother) Iris Colon of Florida. Iris wrote in to say:

“My name is Iris. Rene was my brother. He has 3 sisters that live in the State of Florida! Rene also has nieces and nephews that live right in Beacon. My brother was a person that would help anyone in need, at any time. Rene was a caring, loving person . We are deeply saddened of has happened to him. My family and I are making arrangements which we will share possibly later today. We also will post a picture of my wonderful brother Rene! Thank you! The Vivo family🙏🙏🙏”

Selaine started a GoFundMe page to raise money for Rene’s funeral costs. The family closed the fundraiser after $10,708 was raised. Selaine wrote a note to all of the supporters:

“Good Morning. Today is January 1, 2022. I have been working sleeplessly towards the arrangements for Tio "Scout" Rene. Iris, Ginette (these are my uncles sisters) and I have been working closely with Joe the Funeral Director of Libby Funeral and Cremation Services. Joe has been extremely patient with each one of us in during our time of great pain. We would like to thank each and every one of you. All of you have generously contributed in making this happen. This has not been easy. We had no idea how expensive something like this could be. When making the page, we thought $5,000 would be enough. We quickly found out how wrong we were. We have met the required amount we need to execute the wishes of my uncle, so we are closing the donation part of the GoFundMe page. But, please continue to share your thoughts with me. As I type this to all of you I am crying. I haven't had a chance to grieve the loss of my uncle yet because of how busy I have been concerning these matters. But, Your messages have been a great source of comfort as I read of his walking and nodding. So much being said without even a word. You are allowing me to see my uncle's presence through each of your eyes. Please know that I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You”

Selaine identified Scout’s presence. Why he was important to so many. So respectful. So deep. You just knew it. If you take anything from this, it is how much people can effect people without even a word. Saying “hi” at the very least to everyone is very meaningful.

You’re Invited: The Celebration Of Life Ceremony For “Scout” Rene Vivo

The family of “Scout” Rene Vivo has shared the details of their brother and uncle to be Sunday, January 9, from 1-4pm and again from 6-8pm at Libby’s Funeral Home at 55 Teller Avenue (near Beacon Daily). His sister, Iris Colon, and her daughter (Rene’s niece) Selaine Garcia have connected with A Little Beacon Blog to help share the news.

Said Selaine in their GoFundMe page: “My Uncle was killed on Dec 25th 2021 in Beacon, New York. He was a Marine Veteran who was beloved in the Beacon Community and embraced our Taino culture. We would like to learn more from you how he touched you and your life. He was a quite gentle man. My family and I loved him dearly. We are devastated at the thought of how he may have spent his final moments. As we prepare for my uncles funeral arrangements we would like to invite all of you Beaconites to come and join us in celebrating his life and the love he shared with all of you.

Many people shared about their experiences with Rene on ALBB. One man, Raymond Clary (ZETUCKALA WASHASHA), shared the singing he used to do with Rene. His comment has been republished here as is, with his own punctuation to show emotion: “I also know Scout from powwows and living in Beacon. Just wanted you to know that i sing sometimes with Red Storm Drum and dance Troupe AT POWWOWS IN THE AREA. I have requested that a veterans song and honer song be songs for him. Also prayer and smoke on the wind for his journey. AHO KOLA (((( SORRY NO WORDS FOR GOOD BY )))))) SO GO EASY MY FRIEND”

ALBB connected Ray with the family, and Ray will be saying or singing a prayer at Rene’s Celebration of Life with no drum. He asks that no pictures be taken, as “they are sung as a thank you to the creator,” Ray said.

UPDATE 1/8/2022: The Highlands Current has since published a 2nd article, written by Jeff Simms that is both parts breakdown of what that newspaper has been able to learn, as well as reflection from Jeff’s sources. Said the newspaper’s editor, Chip Rowe, on Friday to newsletter subscribers: “This week we have news of a homicide on Main Street in Beacon on Christmas Day (and the difficulty we've had getting any information about it from the police).”

According to the article, the Highlands Current submitted a FOIL request and was denied: “On Wednesday (Jan. 5), the department denied a Freedom of Information Law request for the police report on the Dec. 25 assault from The Current 29 minutes after it was submitted.”

The article points out that when the Beacon Police did make a statement 5 days after the stabbing, they did not include the victim’s name or that the stabbing was fatal. It was not until after Rene’s obituary was published by Libby Funeral Home that they confirmed to the Highlands Current on January 5 that Rene was the victim they were referring to.

The article goes on to provide a quote they were able to get from Beacon’s Police Chief Sands Frost acknowledging that little information has been provided. According to the article, no arrests have been “announced” as of Thursday 1/6/2022.

The article highlights reflections from Brenda Sims, co-owner of BJs with her mother, who employed Rene and valued him highly as a person and employee; and David Eberle, a Veteran and quiet philanthropist in the area.

Comments By Community Members About Rene

We are republishing some comments made at ALBB’s article, Instagram and Facebook, so they can be read quietly in one place. Do continue to make your comments wherever you would like.

Michelle Rivas·

Dear Iris, I am so sorry for your family’s loss. As you can see from the outpouring from the community, your brother was cared for here. We all knew him as a kind and gentle person. Rene was a regular visitor at the library and we will miss him.

Leah

Iris, I am terribly sorry to learn of Scout’s untimely passing. He was an amazing presence in Beacon. He would often come to my shop to buy sage, and I always through in extra. A gentle giant with an amazing caring soul. May you and your family know he was much loved by many. He was a peaceful soul and whenever you talking with him, you too, would be more at peace. May his kindness and loving soul be always in everyone’s hearts.
Leah,
Heart and Soul Apothecary

Mike Andrews

I can't imagine anyone stabbing a more gentle soul than Scout. Many years ago in really crappy weather, I offered him a ride. He refused. "Nah, man, I like to keep my feet on the ground. Have a great day!" From that moment on I never failed to beep and wave. I've met him many times in the decades since, and he always shook my hand and asked, "How's it going?" So very, very sad.

Lance formerly of Mail n Ship plus Beacon N.Y.

Rene was a good friend and like a brother to me he was always there anytime when you needed him , loved to help anyone in need he talked about one day saving up enough money to buy some land in the Midwest and turn it into a ranch. He loved his community, helped with mayor elections and watchdog groups. Our scout will truly be missed.

Rhonda

Rhonda (formerly Mail N Ship Plus) I met Rene 'Scout' Vivo a little over 20yrs ago. When he came into my family's business Mail N Ship Plus which was located on Main Street in Beacon. He was helping a friend who was running for the local election under the Green Party. From that point we formed a friendship that turned into him being like a brother. There is nothing that he wouldn't do for a person. He was the kindest person. He was a proud Vet & and very proud of his heritage. Always talked about how he wanted to live the ranch life. Our last indepth conversation over the summer he mention plans that involved him getting closer to that dream. He wanted to make sure he had the right phone numbers for me and my brother. I last saw him briefly a few days before the tragic incident and wished him Happy Holidays. If only I knew that would be the last time I would see him. I extend my deepest sympathy to his Family.

Quiet Man Rene Vivo "Scout" Stabbed On Or Near Main Street In Beacon - Died While Walking Towards Home

South Brett Street, where Scout succumbed to his injury.

UPDATE 12/30/2021: A GoFundMe fundraiser has been created for Rene Vivo’s funeral costs by his family. His niece Selaine Garcia has invited the Beacon community to attend his funeral. More details are coming.

Rene Vivo (aka “Scout”) with his sister, Rene Vivo Colon, near his home in Beacon at Forrestal Heights.

Beacon was quiet on Christmas Day, as it usually is. Most shops were closed, and there were not very many walkers or drivers out, according to people who did venture out that day. Within the 3pm hour, the man known as Scout who wears khaki pants and outdoor gear every day, with a variation of a feather or feathers in his atire, was stabbed on or near Main Street in the vicinity of Feeds R Us and Max’s and Amacord, according to people familiar with the incident. After being stabbed, Scout apparently walked down South Brett Street, where he succumbed to his injury on the sidewalk in front of a home. Police were called when a neighbor saw him lying down, according to people familiar with what happened.

Mayor Kyriacou confirmed to Mid Hudson News that the Beacon Police are actively investigating the stabbing. According to the article, the police are treating it as a homicide. Over the past few days, police have been contacting businesses and residents seeking information on the alleged stabber. There are city-owned cameras located on Main Street that the police are able to use in investigations. Archiving data from those cameras is part of the budget of the Beacon Police Department.

According to people who knew him, Scout lived in Forrestal Heights, the tall apartment building located off 9D near the Loopers Plaza basketball court and Beacon Dental. Forrestal Heights is public senior housing run by the City of Beacon Housing Authority. According to a Beaconite, his name was Rene Vivo and he was 65 years old.

Scout was a Vietnam Veteran with the Marines. According to those who knew him, he had a clean record, followed similar walking patterns almost every day, and did laborer jobs now and again. According to those who knew him, he was a proud member of the Taíno people of Puerto Rico.

Neighbors on South Brett Street who saw him every day are shocked and saddened to learn of his death. The police investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call the police department at 845-831-4111.

If you know any history of Scout’s life, please share it here, to carry on his story, if he would like it told. ALBB is also seeking a photo of him. Most Beaconites have seen him for years and years, but may not have a photo to remember him by.