Babysitter confesses to rape and murder of 3-year-old Rensselaer girl found covered in bleach

Robert Fisher, 34, of Rensselaer County pleaded guilty on Tuesday, July 9, to the murder and rape of Josefina Cunningham.

According to prosecutors, emergency responders were called to the girl’s Rensselaer home near Broadway and Tracy Street on July 7, 2023, after relatives noticed she was not breathing.

Josefina’s mother found her lying lifeless on the floor, foaming at the mouth and drenched in bleach, the girl’s brother, Jay Quan Stewart, told NoTearsForBlackGirls.com.

She was later pronounced dead at Albany Medical Center.

Fisher was a trusted friend of the family and was looking after the girl at the time, Stewart told the blog.

Three weeks later, he was charged following extensive investigations involving multiple authorities.

Police determined he raped the girl sometime between 8 p.m. on July 6 and 7:20 a.m. on July 7, causing her death, WRGB reported.

In court on Tuesday, Fisher pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and rape.

The verdict is expected on Tuesday, August 6.

“Our deepest condolences go out to the child’s family and friends,” said Rensselaer Police Chief Warren Famiglietti. “This horrific incident has affected many people in many different ways.”

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