Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 20-year-old Gabriel C. Melkioty of Olean, N.Y. was arraigned this morning before State Supreme Court Justice Deborah A. Haendiges on an indictment charging him with the following offenses:

• One count of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree (Class “B” violent felony)
• One count of Attempted Assault in the First Degree (Class “C” violent felony)
• One count of Strangulation in the Second Degree (Class “D” violent felony)
• One count of Assault in the Second Degree (Class “D” violent felony)

It is alleged that on March 31, 2021, at approximately 3:56 p.m., the defendant stabbed the female victim, with the intent to cause her death, multiple times with a pocket knife at a location in the Town of Collins. The defendant is also accused of beating the victim and strangling her to the point of unconsciousness during the assault.

After the defendant allegedly left the home, the victim woke up and was able to call 911. She was taken to ECMC where she received stitches for multiple stab wounds. The victim also suffered severe bruising and swelling to her face.

Melkioty is scheduled to return on Tuesday, July 27, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. for motions.

Justice Haendiges ordered that the defendant be held on $250,000 bail. An order of protection was issued on behalf of the victim.

If convicted on all charges, Melkioty faces a maximum of 25 year in prison.

DA Flynn commends Detectives Emily Nelson-Gerken and Matthew Fuqua of the Erie County Sheriff’s Office for their work in the investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Rebecca L. Schnirel and Gina M. Gramaglia of the Special Victims/Domestic Violence Bureau.

As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.