(WNY News Now) – A Tonawanda man stands accused of murder following the fatal stabbing of a Buffalo resident.
BUFFALO, NY – Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane has announced the arraignment of Adalberto J. Bermudez, Jr., also known as “Chopa,” 46, of Tonawanda. Bermudez appeared in Buffalo City Court on Sunday, charged with one count of Murder in the Second Degree, a Class A-I felony, before Judge Peter J. Savage, III.
The charge stems from an incident on September 23, 2023, when Buffalo Police officers responded to an emergency call at an apartment on Isabelle Street in Buffalo’s Riverside neighborhood. Upon arrival, officers found 39-year-old Jose Barreto-Gonzalez deceased inside his residence. According to investigators, Bermudez is alleged to have intentionally stabbed Barreto-Gonzalez, causing fatal injuries. The motive for the alleged attack remains under investigation.
Bermudez is being held without bail and is scheduled to appear again on Friday, November 15, 2024, for a felony hearing. If convicted, he could face a sentence of 25 years to life in prison.
Acting DA Keane expressed gratitude to Buffalo Police Detective Scott Malec and the Buffalo Police Department’s Homicide Unit for their efforts in bringing the case forward. Assistant District Attorney John P. Gerken, Jr., of the Homicide Bureau, will lead the prosecution.
Bermudez, like all individuals accused of a crime, is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.