Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Flaherty, Jr. announces that 21-year-old Cody Jeffords of Cheektowaga has been arraigned before Erie County Court Judge Sheila DiTullio on an indictment charging him with Murder in the Second Degree.

It is alleged that on May 25, 2016, the defendant severely beat 19-year-old Justin Vanderwalker of Cheektowaga after coming home and finding Vanderwalker with his girlfriend. The victim initially fled the apartment, but the defendant followed Vanderwalker outside and began striking him with his bare hands.  Vanderwalker died three days later of the injuries he received in the fight.

Jeffords, who pleaded not guilty, faces a maximum of 25 years to life if convicted of the charges. He is back in court before Judge DiTullio for a pre-trial conference on August 1, 2016 at 10 a.m. The defendant was remanded to jail without bail.

Acting DA Flaherty commends the investigative work of the Cheektowaga Police Department, including Lt. Thomas Wentland, and Detectives Eric Broska and David Mossman.

Assistant District Attorney John Patrick Feroleto is prosecuting the case.

As are all defendants accused of a crime, Jeffords is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.