Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that 50-year-old Daniel A. Martinez of Amherst pleaded guilty this afternoon before Acting Erie County Court Judge Andrew C. LoTempio to one count of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree (Class “B” felony). The defendant pleaded guilty to the charge in full satisfaction of the indictment against him.
On Wednesday, September 30, 2020, at approximately 2:45 a.m., the defendant intentionally set a fire inside of his girlfriend’s residence located on the first floor of a multi-family home on Concord Avenue in the City of Buffalo. The intended victim was not home at the time of the arson, but her mother was asleep in a nearby bedroom of their shared apartment. The victim, Maria Galazka, suffered multiple burns and smoke inhalation. She was transported by ambulance to ECMC where she later died on Thursday, November 5, 2020, which was her 66th birthday.
A Buffalo firefighter was injured while fighting the blaze. He was taken to ECMC where he was treated and released. A resident who lived in the upper apartment was displaced, but unharmed in the fire.
“The family of Maria Galazka has waited a long time for justice. The plea to a reduced charge was offered with the consent of the victim’s family to bring a resolution to this case to prevent them enduring another trial while ensuring the defendant was convicted of a violent felony for this crime,” said Acting District Attorney Mike Keane.
Martinez faces a maximum of 25 years in prison when he is sentenced on Friday, October 4, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. Prosecutors requested that the defendant be remanded pending sentence. Martinez remains released on previously posted bail set at $500,000 cash or bond.
Acting DA Keane commends the Buffalo Police Department and Buffalo Fire Department for their work in this investigation.
The case was prosecuted by Chief Eugene T. Partridge, III and Assistant District Attorney Frank A. Strano of the Major Crimes Bureau.