Buffalo man indicted in murder for setting his girlfriend on fire

BUFFALO, NY – Frank J. Bredt, Jr., 33, of Buffalo was found guilty on two counts of murder in the second degree as announced by John J. Flynn, Erie County District Attorney. This decision came after a 6 day trial and 4 1/2 hours of deliberation.

On January 11, 2018, on Manhattan Avenue, Bredt poured an accelerant onto his girlfriend, with intent to kill, and set her on fire inside of their home. The Buffalo police and fire departments responded to the scene where five other people were able to escape the inferno, including the victim’s 7 year old daughter who had suffered burns to her feet. Elisabeth Bell, 28 years old, was found on the 2nd floor ablaze.

Bredt, being severely burned as he ran out of the house to hide from authorities, was located at a nearby home a short time later. He was taken to ECMC and remained hospitalized in the burn treatment center for over a year. He was held without bail after his arraignment at ECMC.

Flynn said “This is one of the most horrific domestic violence homicide cases that has been prosecuted by my office. This defendant intentionally killed his girlfriend by burning her alive in her bedroom. I hope this defendant understands the excruciating pain that he caused this young mother after being severely burned as a result of his murderous actions. The family of Elisabeth Bell has waited a long time for justice and I hope they feel that justice has been served.”

DA Flynn commends Detective John Paradowski of the Buffalo Police Homicide Squad, Fire Marshal Paul Simonian and the Buffalo Fire Department Fire Investigation Unit for their work in this investigation.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Ryan D. Haggerty of the Homicide Unit and Assistant District Attorney Rebecca M. Schnirel of the Major Crimes Unit.

Bredt is being sentenced on May 2, 2022 at 9:30am and faces a maximum of 25 years to life in prison.

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