Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that Bryan Monge Chiclana, 34, of no permanent address, was arraigned this afternoon before Buffalo City Court Judge Erin E. Hart on one count of Murder in the First Degree and two counts of Murder in the Second Degree (Class “A-I” felonies).
It is alleged that on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at approximately 4:30 p.m., Buffalo Police responded to St. Louis Place near Virginia Street for a report of a person with a knife. The defendant allegedly cut himself with the knife before he was taken into custody by police. The defendant was transported by ambulance to ECMC. The defendant was hospitalized while under the supervision of the Buffalo Police Department for a non-life threatening injury to his neck.
It is alleged that on the morning of Tuesday, March 4, 2025, the defendant unlawfully entered a residence on St. Louis Place through a basement window. The defendant is accused of intentionally hitting two victims with an object while inside of their shared apartment. The victims, 40-year-old Michael “Mickey” Harmon and 37-year-old Jordan Celotto, were pronounced dead at the scene. The Erie County Medical Examiner’s Office determined that both victims died as a result of blunt force trauma.
Chiclana is scheduled to return on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. for a felony hearing. He was held without bail.
If convicted of the highest charge, Chiclana faces a maximum sentence of life in prison without parole.
“I extend my deepest condolences to the families of the victims, their many friends, and all who have been impacted by this tragic and senseless crime. As we pursue justice in this case, I hope Mickey Harmon and Jordan Celotto continue to be remembered for their positive impact on our city’s Allentown neighborhood and LGBTQ+ community. While I understand that the public seeks more answers, I assure the Buffalo community that a thorough investigation is being conducted that will result in the just prosecution of the accused. While my office’s Homicide Bureau continues to work alongside the Buffalo Police Department, we have found no evidence at this time to indicate that that defendant was known to the victims or that their homicides were motivated by hate,” said Erie County District Attorney Mike Keane.
DA Keane commends Detective Christopher Sterlace, Detective Joseph Ruggerio, Detective Mark Constantino, Detective Jennifer Zanghi and Sergeant Sean McCabe of the Buffalo Police Department for their work in this ongoing investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Chief Eugene T. Partridge, III, Assistant District Attorney Christopher S. Safulko and Assistant District Attorney Rebecca L. Schnirel of the Homicide Bureau.
As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.