Justice Served: Tonawanda Man Sentenced for Brutal 2023 Machete Murder in Buffalo

Buffalo, NY – A grim chapter closed this week in Erie County Court, as Adalberto J. Bermudez, Jr., a Tonawanda man also known as "Chopa," received his sentence for the brutal 2023 machete killing of Jose Barreto-Gonzalez. It's a case that has certainly weighed heavily on the community, bringing a sense of finality, albeit a somber one, to a truly tragic event.

The sentencing, which took place on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, was presided over by the Honorable Suzanne Maxwell Barnes, an Erie County Court Judge. This marks the culmination of a legal journey that began with a shocking discovery nearly three years ago, a journey meticulously pursued by law enforcement and prosecutors alike.

Let's cast our minds back to Sunday, September 23, 2023. That's when authorities found Jose Barreto-Gonzalez deceased, the victim of a horrifying machete attack. The scene of the crime was on Isabelle Street, nestled within Buffalo's Riverside neighborhood – a place now, sadly, etched with the memory of such violence. The Buffalo Police Department immediately sprang into action, launching an intensive investigation.

Detectives Scott Malec and Mark White, along with the now-retired Detective Carl Lundin, spearheaded the police efforts. Their diligent work, gathering evidence and following leads, proved absolutely crucial in building a solid case against Bermudez. It's often said that these cases are won or lost in the initial stages of investigation, and their dedication certainly paid off.

Ultimately, the evidence presented led to Bermudez's arrest and subsequent trial. After hearing all the facts, a jury in late April 2026 found Adalberto J. Bermudez, Jr. guilty of the charges against him. This verdict, of course, set the stage for this week's sentencing, closing the loop on the judicial process.

The prosecution was handled by a dedicated team from the Erie County District Attorney’s Office. District Attorney Michael J. Keane oversaw the case, with the day-to-day legal heavy lifting performed by Assistant District Attorney Justin T. Wallens, who also serves as Chief of the Homicide Bureau, and Assistant District Attorney Anthony F. Perna from the Narcotics/Intelligence Bureau. Deputy District Attorney Eugene T. Partridge, III, Chief of the Homicide Bureau, also played a significant role in guiding the complex legal proceedings. Their commitment, I think, really underscores the severity of this crime and the justice system's resolve.

While the specific length of Bermudez's sentence wasn't detailed in the immediate reports, a conviction for a crime of this nature typically results in a lengthy and significant period of incarceration. This outcome, hopefully, brings some measure of closure to Jose Barreto-Gonzalez's loved ones, even as they continue to grapple with their profound loss. It also sends a clear message that such brutal acts of violence will be met with the full force of the law here in Erie County.