In a significant development, Brian Wallace, 37, of Niagara Falls, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder for the tragic killing of Lauren Hayes.

LOCKPORT, NY – Niagara County District Attorney Brian D. Seaman announced on June 13, 2024, that Brian Wallace, 37, has entered a guilty plea to second-degree murder in County Court. Wallace confessed to murdering 38-year-old Lauren Hayes in a Niagara Falls motel room on February 21, 2023.

“This was a horrible crime for which the defendant deserves to spend the rest of his life in jail,” stated Seaman. “We hope that this guilty plea will bring closure to Ms. Hayes’ family.”

The crime, which shocked the local community, was thoroughly investigated by the Niagara Falls Police Department. First Assistant District Attorney Doreen Hoffmann and Assistant District Attorney David DeChellis prosecuted the case, ensuring that justice was served.

Wallace is set to be sentenced to 20 years to life in prison by County Court Judge John Ottaviano on September 3rd.