First Assistant Michael J. Flaherty, Jr. announces that 46 year-old Kevin Schwartz of 1932 Bailey Avenue, Buffalo, was arraigned yesterday before Erie County Court Judge Sheila A. DiTullio on an indictment charging him with Murder in the Second Degree and Burglary in the First Degree.  Schwartz was remanded into custody.

It is alleged that on July 6, 2015, while committing a burglary inside the home of the victim at 1082 Walden Avenue, Cheektowaga, Schwartz murdered 67 year-old Lawrence Cassata, by beating him. 

If convicted of these crimes, Schwartz faces a maximum prison sentence of 25 years-to-life in state prison. 

Like all defendants accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.