(WNY News Now) – A North Tonawanda man has admitted responsibility for a fatal stabbing on Kenmore Avenue and financial theft from a former employer in two separate criminal cases.
Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announced that John A. Rudes, 29, pleaded guilty before Erie County Court Judge Susan Eagan to Manslaughter in the First Degree, a Class “B” violent felony. Rudes also pleaded guilty to Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree, a Class “E” felony, for an unrelated theft case.
The manslaughter charge stems from a violent incident on September 17, 2023. At approximately 3:46 a.m., Rudes fatally stabbed 59-year-old Terry Jackson multiple times in the neck at an apartment building on the 1000 block of Kenmore Avenue. Jackson was pronounced dead at the scene.
The theft case involved allegations dating back to January 2023 when Rudes, employed at Jackson’s landscaping business, stole $3,763 by forging and depositing several checks from his employer’s checkbook. Surveillance footage confirmed Rudes’ involvement. He has agreed to pay full restitution as part of his plea.
Rudes, who remains in custody without bail, faces a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison. His sentencing is scheduled for March 5, 2025, at 9:30 a.m.
District Attorney Keane commended the investigative efforts of law enforcement officers from the Buffalo and Depew Police Departments. The cases were prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys William Fitzgerald, Ryan A. Emmerling, Rebecca L. Schnirel, and Jordana C. Grosodonia.
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