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Man accused of strangling girlfriend held without bail

Posted at 2:27 PM, Jan 22, 2019
and last updated 2019-01-23 11:48:55-05

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — A 26-year-old Cheektowaga man is charged with one count of second degree manslaughter in the death of his girlfriend.

Sonny Martinez was arraigned on Saturday in Cheektowaga Town Court. He is being held without bail.

The Erie County District Attorney's Office says Martinez is accused of strangling 23-year-old Brittney Balbuzoski during sex, and that she died from "erotic asphyxiation." Prosecutors say the incident happened inside Martinez's home on Ivanhoe Road.

Martinez is due back in court on January 24th. If convicted, he faces up to 15 years in prison.