Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that Om D. Samant, 36, of Amherst pleaded guilty yesterday afternoon before State Supreme Court Justice Deborah A. Haendiges to one count of Manslaughter in the First Degree (Class “B” violent felony). The defendant pleaded guilty to the charge in full satisfaction of the indictment against him.
On Monday, December 26, 2022, at approximately 11:33 a.m., Amherst Police officers responded to a domestic disturbance call at a residence on Thistle Lea. The defendant killed his mother by beating and stabbing her inside of their shared home. Officers found the victim, a 58-year-old Jagruti Samant, dead at the scene.
Samant faces a maximum of 25 years in prison when he is sentenced on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. He remains held without bail.
Acting DA Keane commends the Amherst Police Department for their work in this investigation.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Frank A. Strano of the Major Crimes Bureau and Deputy District Attorney John P. Feroleto.