Amherst, NY – In a heart-wrenching conclusion to a grim case, a jury has found Andee R. Wright, 32, of Amherst, guilty of the second-degree murder of her newborn son.
After a six-day trial and two hours of deliberation, jurors convicted Wright of the murder, which occurred in the early hours of October 5, 2020. Wright, who was alone at her home on Eggert Road in Tonawanda, gave birth to a 37-week-old baby boy in a bathroom. Rather than seeking medical assistance, Wright concealed the birth.
Her boyfriend discovered her in medical distress later that morning and called 911. Upon arrival, paramedics transported Wright to the hospital. A tragic discovery was made during the investigation: the newborn’s body was found in a garbage can in the basement.
The Erie County Medical Examiner’s Office concluded that the infant, born alive, died from a traumatic brain injury due to blunt force and penetrating impacts to the head. Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane emphasized the gravity of the crime: “This is a disturbing case of a woman who concealed her pregnancy and killed her own newborn baby. While this was a challenging case, we were committed to obtaining justice in the death of Baby Boy Wright. The evidence showed that the baby was born alive and the jury agreed that defendant intentionally murdered of her own newborn son,”
Wright now faces a possible sentence of 25 years to life in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for September 9, 2024, before Acting Erie County Court Judge Andrew C. LoTempio. Until then, she remains held without bail.
Acting DA Keane commended the diligent efforts of the Town of Tonawanda Police Department, local paramedics, and medical examiners Dr. Stacey Reed, Dr. Katherine Maloney, and Dr. Erin Chapman, all of whom played crucial roles in the investigation.
The prosecution team was led by Assistant District Attorney Rebecca L. Schnirel of the Homicide Bureau and Chief Ashley M. Morgan of the Felony Trials Bureau.
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