MAYVILLE – A Chautauqua County Grand Jury recently indicted Ashlyann M. Lopez-Lopez, 26, of Dunkirk, on a charge of second-degree manslaughter, Chautauqua County District Attorney Patrick Swanson confirmed to WNYNewsNow Tuesday morning.
The District Attorney stated that Lopez-Lopez plead not guilty to the charge. In addition, Swanson said that bail was reduced from $500,000 to $150,000 cash bail.
Dunkirk Police allege Lopez-Lopez stabbed a 15-year-old girl to death in the afternoon of May 15 on Lincoln Avenue. Police originally charged her with first-degree manslaughter.
Swanson declined to comment on specifics when asked why the Grand Jury indicted on the lesser charge. The County’s top prosecutor, however, said that his office doesn’t determine what charge the Grand Jury indicts.
“The Grand Jury receives evidence, and they determine the charge,” Swanson said.
Swanson explained that further hearings are scheduled in the month of September. Swanson will represent the prosecution, while Jason Schmidt will represent Lopez-Lopez.
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