Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 32-year-old William J. Giambelluca of Hamburg was arraigned this morning before Erie County Court Judge Kenneth Case on an indictment charging him with one count of Murder in the Second Degree (Class “A-I” felony) and one count of Robbery in the First Degree (Class “B” violent felony).

It is alleged that on November 22, 2021, at approximately 11:45 p.m., the victim was leaving a tavern on Lake Shore Road in the Village of Blasdell when he was attacked in the parking lot by the defendant. The defendant is accused of hitting the victim on the head with an object during the robbery. The defendant allegedly stole an unknown amount of cash from the victim before fleeing. The victim drove himself home after the assault.

The following morning, a family member found the victim, 67-year-old John E. Rados, Sr., unconscious inside of his home. The victim was taken by ambulance to ECMC where he later died on November 24, 2021.

The Erie County Medical Examiner’s Office determined that the victim died from blunt force trauma to the head.

Giambelluca is scheduled to return on Tuesday, January 11, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. for a pre-trial conference. He continues to remain held without bail.  

If convicted of the charge, Giambelluca faces a maximum of 25 years to life in prison.   

DA Flynn commends the Town of Hamburg Police Department for their work in the investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Eugene T. Partridge, III of the Homicide Unit.

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