UPD, law enforcement partners continue investigation in fatal stabbing case

Release Date: January 25, 2023

With assistance from local, state and federal law enforcement partners, UB Police continue to make progress in the investigation of the fatal stabbing case of SUNY Buffalo State University student Tyler Lewis.

Throughout the course of the investigation, the University Police Department (UPD), in collaboration with the Erie County District Attorney’s Office, has utilized resources and assistance provided by the New York State Police, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Town of Amherst Police and Erie County Central Police Services.

This case remains UPD’s top priority. UB Police’s highly trained team of 63 investigators, officers and staff have been diligently working to follow up on all leads, collect and process evidence, conduct interviews with witnesses and provide ongoing results of a comprehensive investigation to the Erie County DA.

Since the evening of Oct. 14, 2022, UPD has been guided by a commitment to be as transparent and communicative as possible with Lewis’ family and members of the community, without compromising the course of the investigation.

“Working with the Erie County District Attorney’s Office, University Police remains committed to providing the family of Tyler Lewis with a full and transparent account of what occurred,” said Chris Bartolomei, UB’s chief of police.

UB Police had frequent contact with Lewis’ family in the days and weeks immediately after his tragic death, and have had regular contact with the family since then, as has the DA’s office.

Bartolomei added: “We understand the desire for additional information about the evening of Oct. 14, but because this remains a very active investigation, and to protect the integrity of the case, we are unable to release any further information until the DA is prepared to do so.”

UB Police will continue to provide updates to the university community as they become available.

The following are statements made by the university immediately after the death of Tyler Lewis and during the course of the investigation:

Jan. 17, 2023:

Statement from University Police regarding the investigation into the death of Tyler Lewis

https://www.buffalo.edu/news/releases/2023/01/013.html

Nov. 11, 2022:

UB Police investigators continue to make progress in fatal stabbing case

https://www.buffalo.edu/news/releases/2022/11/011.html

Oct. 26, 2022:

UB Police, Erie County DA diligently continue investigation

https://www.buffalo.edu/news/releases/2022/10/026.html

Oct. 19, 2022: