AMHERST, N.Y. (WKBW) — Amherst police are investigating after a 27-year-old woman was found dead Tuesday at the Amherst Inn and Suites located at 1951 Niagara Falls Boulevard.
According to police, the incident was initially reported as a medical emergency but was later determined to be a homicide after an investigation by police and the Erie County Medical Examiner's Office. The victim has been identified as Emmeya Sims of Amherst.
WATCH: Amherst PD investigating homicide at motel on Niagara Falls Blvd, suspect arrested on unrelated charges in PA
Investigators have identified 37-year-old Daniel Negron of Buffalo as the suspect in the case. Negron is currently in custody in Erie, Pennsylvania, on an unrelated matter.
7 News spoke with a representative from Saint Peter Cathedral who provided details about the unusual circumstances of the arrest. She said Negron was arrested during confession at the church when he started threatening to hurt himself. The representative explained that priests were able to intervene and calm him down until officers arrived. No one inside the church was hurt.
Erie Police confirmed to 7 News that Negron is a fugitive from justice and is currently in custody.
Amherst Police have secured a second-degree murder arrest warrant for Negron, and he is being held in Pennsylvania pending extradition proceedings.
Police said the investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact the department at (716) 689-1311.