Tragedy Strikes Home: Stepson's Fatal Stabbing Ends in Manslaughter Plea for West Seneca Man

A somber resolution has been reached in the heartbreaking case of Matthew J. Sowa, a young man whose life was tragically cut short in 2021. His stepfather, Joseph M. Lunn of West Seneca, has pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter, acknowledging his role in the fatal stabbing of Sowa during a heated domestic dispute.

The plea, entered before State Supreme Court Justice Donna M.

Siwek, brings a degree of finality to a case that has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the victim's family and the community. As part of the agreement, Lunn, 54, faces an agreed-upon sentence of 10 years in state prison, which will be followed by five years of post-release supervision. This outcome reflects a consensus, with Erie County District Attorney John J.

Flynn Jr. confirming that the victim's family was consulted and agreed to the plea arrangement.

The tragic incident unfolded on December 29, 2021, at the family's residence on Seneca Creek Road in West Seneca. What began as an argument between Sowa, then 29, and Lunn escalated violently, culminating in Lunn arming himself with a knife and delivering a fatal wound to his stepson.

Responding officers from the West Seneca Police Department found Matthew Sowa already deceased at the scene, a grim testament to the speed and severity of the altercation.

Initially, Lunn was charged with second-degree murder, a more severe offense. However, the legal proceedings have led to this plea bargain, reducing the charge to manslaughter in the first degree.

This charge signifies that Lunn caused Sowa’s death with the intent to cause serious physical injury, rather than directly intending to cause death itself. The sentencing is scheduled for August 7, 2024, at 9:30 a.m., where the court will formally impose the agreed-upon sentence.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences that can arise from domestic disputes and the tragic loss of life that can result when arguments turn violent.

While no judicial outcome can ever truly heal the wounds of such a loss, the resolution aims to provide a measure of justice and closure for Matthew Sowa's loved ones.