Rensselaer man admits to raping, killing 3-year-old girl

A Rensselaer man has admitted to raping and killing a 3-year-old girl one year ago.

Robert Fisher, 34, pleaded guilty on Tuesday in Rensselaer County Court to second-degree murder and rape.

Fisher caused the death of Josefina Cunningham at a home at 1552 Broadway on July 7, 2023. The girl was found unresponsive and her mother called 911. The girl was taken to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Court documents obtained by NewsChannel 13 reveal that Fisher struck the girl and also describe the graphic sexual abuse. WNYT is choosing not to disclose all those details.

Fisher had been staying at the home. He was initially charged with obstructing the investigation after police said he tried to get back into the home.

Fisher initially was charged with aggravated sexual abuse, assault and endangering the welfare of a child. He was subsequently indicted on the murder and rape charges in late July 2023.