Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that Miguel A. Castro, Jr., 19, of Town of Tonawanda, arraigned yesterday afternoon before Tonawanda Town Court Justice J. Mark Gruber on one count of Murder in the Second Degree (Class A-I felony), one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree and three counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Class A misdemeanors).
It is alleged that on Monday, February 16, 2026, at approximately noon, the defendant stabbed the victim, a 57-year-old female, with a knife inside of his residence on the 1100 block of Parkhurst Boulevard in the Town of Tonawanda. The defendant is accused of intentionally causing the death of his grandmother. The defendant allegedly committed the crime while three juveniles were present inside of the home. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
Castro is scheduled to return on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. for a felony hearing. He was held without bail.
If convicted of the highest charge, Castro faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison.
DA Keane commends the Town of Tonawanda Police Department for their work in this ongoing investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Frank A. Strano 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.