SCHENECTADY, NY – The echoes of neglect behind a nondescript home in Schenectady revealed a haunting tragedy this week, as a local man confessed to the series of choices that led to his 5-year-old daughter’s death.
Robert S. Buskey Jr., 35, appeared in Schenectady County Court on Jan. 23, accepting full responsibility for locking his daughter, Charlotte, in a bedroom for months while he retreated into substance abuse and gaming. He pleaded guilty to second-degree murder as well as for selling drugs to a child, leading to a sentence of 27 years to life when he stands before a judge in March.
Court documents detailed a disturbing sequence of events that began to unravel on April 14, 2024. Responders were called to Buskey’s home that morning and encountered a scene many described as unbearable. Charlotte’s emaciated body was found in a locked room, while her 3-year-old brother had been kept inside a makeshift cage in the dining area.
Investigators say the house was filled with provisions, yet neither Charlotte nor her brother saw any of them. Food and water were available elsewhere in the home, yet Charlotte was confined to a pack-and-play, the space so limited that she was forced to curl up tightly just to fit inside. Authorities determined she was left alone without nourishment or human interaction for extended periods.
The investigation uncovered evidence marking the children’s isolation. Over the course of months, they stopped seeing relatives, ceased attending school or daycare, and missed all medical appointments. Relatives reportedly lost contact, and neighbors rarely saw the children outdoors.
Autopsy findings later established Charlotte’s manner of death as dehydration and starvation. Toxicology results showed both she and her younger brother had cocaine in their systems, with prosecutors indicating Buskey not only withheld care but deliberately exposed his children to illegal substances.
When questioned, Buskey admitted to fortifying the bedroom door with tape and external locks after realizing Charlotte could attempt escape. The measures ensured she remained isolated while he indulged in drugs and video games, authorities said.
The two-year sentence Buskey faces on the drug charge will be added to the 25 years to life imposed for murder. Under the terms of his plea, he agreed to waive his right to appeal. The court has also barred Buskey from contacting his surviving son, now five years old.
Buskey’s background includes experience as an amateur mixed martial arts competitor in local events, though records show his focus had long since shifted from the ring. He has remained in county custody since his arrest in April.
The revelations continue to reverberate through the Schenectady community, where many are left questioning how the warning signs went unseen. When Buskey returns to court for sentencing on March 27, officials say an order of protection will ensure his surviving son remains shielded from further harm.
The district attorney’s office stated that the tragic details serve as a sobering reminder of the vulnerability of children, and the importance of vigilance from both authorities and the community.