Following the police response to a startling domestic violence episode early on Monday morning, a Buffalo man has been charged with his wife’s death inside their West Side apartment. Antonio Prieto, 46, is charged with one crime of Murder in the Second Degree (a Class “A-I” felony) in connection with the suspected axe murder of his wife Elibeth Salazar.
Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane stated that the incident happened on August 26, 2024, at approximately 3:45 a.m. Officers from the Buffalo Police Department were called to an apartment in the 300 block of Rhode Island Street due to a domestic dispute. Officers entered the bedroom and discovered Salazar, 29, dead on the floor from lethal wounds.
Prieto was found with self-inflicted knife wounds in the apartment’s bathroom. He was treated right away at the Erie County Medical Center. He was later charged with murder in Buffalo City Court while still in the hospital, despite his injuries.
Prieto has been placed under remand without being granted bail. He is expected back in court on October 28, 2024, for a pre-trial meeting. He could receive a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in jail if found guilty.
Acting DA Keane commended the investigation, which was headed by the Buffalo Police Department Homicide Squad, highlighting its prompt and comprehensive response. Prosecuting the case will be Assistant District Attorney Justin H. Caldwell of the Homicide Bureau.
Authorities stress that, up until and unless found guilty in court, Prieto, like other accused parties, is deemed innocent.