Man arrested for Albany teen’s murder who testified against abusive boyfriend

In a shocking turn of events, 36-year-old Michael Varlack, a resident of Albany, faced arraignment in Albany County Court on Wednesday for his alleged involvement in the murder of  Sky Lemmons-Dixon. The 36-year-old victim, tragically found with a single gunshot wound to the head in her State Street home on December 25, succumbed to her injuries at Albany Medical Center Hospital on January 2.

This disturbing incident comes on the heels of another disturbing case involving Houston Ketter, who was recently convicted of attempted murder and sentenced to 50 years in prison. Ketter’s violent history includes an incident in November 2022, where he callously set a woman on fire using charcoal lighter fluid near Bradford and Robin streets in Albany. Though the victim survived, she suffered severe burns. Shockingly, in January 2023, Ketter subjected Lemmons-Dixon to further torment by burning her with a hot cooking pot, causing second- and third-degree burns.

Lemmons-Dixon, in her interactions with the police, revealed a history of abuse by Ketter during their four-month relationship, including a broken arm and attempted immolation. Disturbingly, she expressed concerns for her safety to the Albany County DA’s office after her protective order against Ketter expired in October 2023, just two weeks before the trial.

Ketter’s trial took a sinister turn when Lemmons-Dixon vanished shortly after the expiration of her protective order. The presiding judge deemed Ketter involved in her disappearance, granting permission for her grand jury testimony to be presented to jurors. Despite police not officially identifying Ketter as a person of interest in the case, a jail phone call recording has surfaced, where he is heard inquiring about the consequences if a witness or victim fails to appear for trial.

Varlack’s arraignment on charges of second-degree murder and criminal possession of a weapon unfolded on Wednesday, with a plea of not guilty. The absence of bail resulted in Varlack’s immediate confinement to Albany County Jail. He is scheduled to appear in court again on Thursday, February 15.

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Albany Police Chief Eric Hawkins issued a statement following Varlack’s arrest, expressing condolences to Lemmons-Dixon’s family and acknowledging the dedication of the police department in pursuing justice. Chief Hawkins stated, “Today, members of the Albany Police Department took 36-year-old Michael Varlack into custody for his role in the murder of Sky Lemmons-Dixon on December 25, 2023. I want to express my deepest condolences to the family of Sky Lemmons-Dixon as this was a heinous act of violence. I also want to recognize all members of this department as they continue to work tirelessly to bring justice and closure for victims and families of all acts of violence in our city.”

This tragic series of events underscores the urgency of addressing domestic violence and the imperative need for a comprehensive support system for victims. The intersections of legal proceedings, protective orders, and the involvement of repeat offenders highlight the complexities that law enforcement and judicial systems face in ensuring the safety of individuals like Sky Lemmons-Dixon. As the community grapples with this devastating loss, it is a poignant reminder of the collective responsibility to work towards a society where no one lives in fear of violence within their own homes.