(WNY News Now) – Adalberto J. Bermudez, Jr., 46, of Tonawanda, also known as “Chopa,” has been formally indicted on one count of Murder in the Second Degree, a Class A-I felony, in connection with the gruesome death of a Buffalo man. Erie County Acting District Attorney Michael J. Keane announced the arraignment, which took place before Erie County Court Judge Suzanne Maxwell Barnes.
Authorities allege that on the morning of Sunday, September 23, 2023, Buffalo Police discovered the lifeless body of 39-year-old Jose Barreto-Gonzalez in his Isabelle Street apartment. Barreto-Gonzalez was reportedly killed in a violent attack involving a machete, which Bermudez is accused of wielding.
Bermudez, who remains held without bail, is set to appear for a pre-trial conference on Monday, December 23, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. If convicted, he faces a potential sentence of 25 years to life in prison.
Acting DA Keane praised Buffalo Police Detectives Scott Malec and Mark White for their investigative work, along with the efforts of the Homicide and Narcotics/Intelligence Bureaus in advancing the case.
The prosecution is being led by Assistant District Attorneys John P. Gerken, Jr. and Samantha N. King.
As the legal process unfolds, the community is reminded that Bermudez, like all accused individuals, is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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