Thomas Szcsesniak, 54, of Cheektowaga has been indicted for 2nd-degree murder in relation to the death of his upstairs tenant and friend, 54-year-old Joseph Lawrence Jr.
Szcsesniak stood before a judge this morning and plead not guilty to the murder charge. His attorney says the shooting was in self-defense. He’s now being held without bail.
According to neighbors, Lawrence had only been living in Szcsesniak’s home for a couple of months.
Police say the two were out at a bar on October 24th, when they returned home an argument outside escalated.
The incident allegedly ended with Szczesniak pulling a gun and shooting Lawrence.
“These were guys that were living in the same building they were out together that night and then we have something like this where we know have a deceased victim a grieving family and an older gentleman in custody awaiting a murder charge,” James Bargnesi, Erie County Assistant District Attorney said.
Szczesniak faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted.
Source: wgrz
