Western Hotel in Callicoon, scene of fatal shooting

CALLICOON – The State Liquor Authority has suspended the liquor license for the Western Hotel in Callicoon, the scene of a fatal shooting.

Hotel owner Joseph Naughton, 64, has been indicted by a Sullivan County grand jury on charges of manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide in connection with the April 13 shooting death of waitress Lori Schubeler at the inn.

In a decision to pull the license on an emergency basis, and obtained by CatskillsNews.com, the SLA cited the fatal shooting saying it indicated “a serious risk to the health, safety and welfare” of the patrons. “It is apparent that the licensee has failed to employ personnel and procedures necessary and reasonable to preserve order on the licensed premises, and to operate the licensed premises in conformity with the Alcohol Beverage Control Law and Rules of the State Liquor Authority,” the suspension order read.

Naughton, who is free on $100,000 property bond, has until June 6 to enter a plea to the charges in the May 12 Liquor authority order. Should Naughton plead not guilty to any of the charges, the SLA will hold a “prompt and speedy administration hearing.”

At the time of the fatal shooting, Naughton was holding the gun that fired and hit Schubeler in the heart, killing her.