LACKAWANNA, NY – Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 29-year-old Emmanuel Muniz-Figueroa of Lackawanna pleaded guilty, as charged, before Acting State Supreme Court Justice Debra Givens to one count of Leaving the Scene of an Incident Without Reporting Personal Injury Resulting in Death (Class “D” felony). The defendant pleaded guilty to the only count in the indictment against him on Wednesday, September 14, 2022.
On August 28, 2021, at approximately 2:14 a.m., the defendant and the male victim were involved in a physical altercation following an argument outside of a home on Dona Street in the City of Lackawanna. During the fight, the victim displayed a kitchen knife and the defendant drove away in a SUV. Moments after leaving the area, the defendant drove back to the residence where the victim ran in front of the vehicle and was subsequently run over. The defendant drove away from the scene without reporting the incident. The victim, 52-year-old Jose Matos, was taken to ECMC where he died from his injuries on August 31, 2021.
Figueroa faces a maximum sentence of 7 years in prison when he is sentenced on Tuesday, November 15, 2022 at 9:30 a.m. He continues to remain released on his own recognizance.
DA Flynn commends Captain Joseph Leo and members of the Lackawanna Police Department for their work in this investigation.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Christine O. Murray of the Vehicular Crimes Unit.