Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 29-year-old Emmanuel Muniz-Figueroa of Lackawanna was arraigned this morning before Acting State Supreme Court Justice Debra Givens on an indictment charging him with one count of Leaving the Scene of an Incident Without Reporting Personal Injury Resulting in Death (Class “D” felony).

It is alleged that 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 on Dona Street in the City of Lackawanna. During the fight, the victim allegedly displayed a kitchen knife and the defendant left in a SUV. It is further alleged that seconds after leaving, the defendant drove back to the residence. The victim allegedly ran in front of the defendant’s vehicle and was subsequently hit. The defendant is accused of leaving 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.

Muniz-Figueroa is scheduled to return on Wednesday, July 27, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. for a pre-trial conference. He remains released on his own recognizance.  

If convicted of the charge, Muniz-Figueroa faces a maximum sentence of 7 years in prison.

DA Flynn commends Captain Joseph Leo and members of the Lackawanna Police Department for their work in this investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Christine O. Murray of the Vehicular Crimes Unit.

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