Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 50-year-old Jose Ruiz of Town of Tonawanda has been arraigned on one count of Manslaughter in the First Degree, a Class “B” violent felony. The defendant was arraigned last night before Town of Tonawanda Justice J. Mark Gruber.

It is alleged that on Monday, December 9, 2019, the defendant caused the death of his wife, 59-year-old Mavilie Ruiz, at their home on Tillotson Place in the Town of Tonawanda.

Ruiz is scheduled to return on Monday, December 16, 2019 at 11:30 a.m. for a felony hearing. He remains held without bail.

If convicted on the charge, Ruiz faces a maximum of 25 years in prison.

DA Flynn commends the Town of Tonawanda Police Department for their work in the investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Chief John P. Feroleto of the DA’s Felony Trials Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Stephen C. Earnhart of the DA’s Special Victims Bureau.

As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.