Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 35-year-old Om D. Samant of Amherst was arraigned yesterday morning before State Supreme Court Justice Deborah A. Haendiges on an indictment charging him with one count of Murder in the Second Degree (Class “A-I” felony). 

It is alleged that 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 is accused of killing his mother by beating and stabbing her inside of their shared home. Officers found the victim, a 58-year-old Jagruti Samant, deceased at the scene.

Samant is scheduled to return on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. for a pre-trial conference. He continues to be held without bail.

If convicted of the charge, Samant faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison.

DA Flynn commends the Amherst Police Department for their work in this investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Frank A. Strano and Chief John P. Feroleto of the Major Crimes Unit. 

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