(WNY News Now) – A tragic incident in Silver Creek has led to the arrest of a local woman on second-degree murder charges, marking a somber investigation by the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office.
Silver Creek, N.Y. – The Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office has charged 36-year-old Ashley C. Bertino of Silver Creek with second-degree murder following the death of a 12-year-old child. Authorities state that Bertino engaged in actions demonstrating a “depraved indifference to human life,” resulting in circumstances that allegedly posed a grave risk and ultimately led to the juvenile’s death.
The incident, reported on April 29, 2024, spurred an immediate investigation by the Sheriff’s Criminal Investigation Division. Following thorough investigative efforts, an arrest warrant was issued by the Town of Hanover Court. Deputies apprehended Bertino at her Oak Street residence without incident, and she was subsequently transported to the Chautauqua County Jail, where she awaits Centralized Arraignment Processing (CAP).
Officials have not released further details surrounding the nature of the event or the circumstances leading up to the juvenile’s death. Bertino will face proceedings in the Town of Hanover Court, where the charges carry significant weight, reflecting the severity of the alleged actions. As are all persons accused of a crime, the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.