(WNY News Now) – Buffalo – A Buffalo man has been indicted for the murder of his wife inside their West Side apartment, after police responded to a shocking domestic violence incident early Monday morning. Antonio Prieto, 46, faces one count of Murder in the Second Degree (Class “A-I” felony) after allegedly killing his wife, Elibeth Salazar, with an axe.

According to Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane, the incident occurred around 3:45 a.m. on August 26, 2024. Buffalo Police officers were dispatched to a domestic disturbance at an apartment in the 300 block of Rhode Island Street. Upon entering, officers found Salazar, 29, deceased on the bedroom floor, having sustained fatal injuries.

Prieto was located in the apartment’s bathroom, suffering from self-inflicted knife wounds. He was immediately taken to Erie County Medical Center for treatment. Despite his injuries, he was later arraigned in Buffalo City Court on the murder charge while still hospitalized.

Prieto has been remanded without bail and is scheduled to return to court for a pre-trial conference on October 28, 2024. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison.

The investigation, led by the Buffalo Police Department Homicide Squad, was praised by Acting DA Keane, who highlighted their quick and thorough response. Assistant District Attorney Justin H. Caldwell from the Homicide Bureau will be prosecuting the case.

Authorities emphasize that Prieto, like all accused individuals, is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.