© 2024 Western New York Public Broadcasting Association

140 Lower Terrace
Buffalo, NY 14202

Mailing Address:
Horizons Plaza P.O. Box 1263
Buffalo, NY 14240-1263

Buffalo Toronto Public Media | Phone 716-845-7000
WBFO Newsroom | Phone: 716-845-7040
Your NPR Station
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Suspected BIke Path Killer Pleads Innocent to Murder Charge

By Eileen Buckley

Buffalo, NY – The Cheektowaga man accused of being the bike path killer pleaded not guilty to a murder charge yesterday. 48 year old Atemio Sanchez was arraigned on one count of second degree murder in the '92 death of Majane Mazur in Buffalo.

But authorities say DNA links Sanchez to two more murders, including the bike path deaths of UB student Linda Yalem in 1990 and the September murder of Joan Diver of Clarence.

Defense attorney Andrew LoTempio says Sanchez claims he is innocent. LoTempio says Sanchez and his family are shocked by the allegations. Sanchez's wife and one of his son's attended Tuesday's arraignment.

LoTempio is requesting that DNA samples be provided. Erie County District Attorney Frank Clark says Sanchez's DNA was also found in Joan Diver's car in Clarence. Sanchez is being held without bail.

Click the "listen" icon above to hear Eileen Buckley's story now or use your podcasting software to download it to your computer or iPod.