Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that Joseph F. Saraceno, 28, of City of Tonawanda, was arraigned this morning before Erie County Court Judge Kenneth F. Case on an indictment charging him with one count of Murder in the Second Degree (Class “A-I” felony) and one count of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree (Class “B” violent felony).
On Monday, September 30, 2024, investigators responded to a home on the 400 block of Cayuga Avenue in the Town of Cheektowaga. The victim, 59-year-old Scott Bellanca, was found deceased inside of his home near the front entrance. The defendant is accused of intentionally causing the death of the victim during the early morning hours of September 30, 2024. It is further alleged that the defendant stole various personal items from the victim during the commission of the crime.
Saraceno was held without bail. A return court date has not been scheduled at this time.
If convicted of the highest charge, Saraceno faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison.
DA Keane commends the Cheektowaga Police Department and the Erie County Sheriff’s Office for their work in this investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney John P. Gerken. Jr. of the Homicide Bureau.
As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.