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Submitted by the Erie County District Attorney’s Office
Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announced Joseph F. Saraceno Jr., 29, of City of Tonawanda, was sentenced before State Supreme Court Justice Debra L. Givens. Saraceno received a determinate sentence of 22 years in prison followed by five years of post-release supervision.
On Monday, Sept. 30, 2024, at approximately 11:30 a.m., Cheektowaga Police officers responded to a residence on the 400 block of Cayuga Avenue for a possible homicide. The victim, 59-year-old Scott P. Bellanca, was found deceased near the front entrance of his home. The investigation determined the defendant used a knife to stab the victim and shot him with a shotgun, which resulted in his death.
In April 2026, he pleaded guilty to one count of manslaughter in the first degree (class B violent felony). Saraceno entered a guilty plea to the charge in full satisfaction of the indictment.
Keane commends the Cheektowaga Police Department, Erie County Sheriff’s Office and New York State Police for their work in this investigation.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Frank A. Strano of the homicide bureau and Assistant District Attorney Taylor L. Yensan of the Raise the Age/motor vehicle theft insurance fraud unit.
1859 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island, NY 14072
Phone: 716-773-7676
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