© 2025 Western New York Public Broadcasting Association

140 Lower Terrace
Buffalo, NY 14202

Toronto Address:
130 Queens Quay E.
Suite 903
Toronto, ON M5A 0P6


Mailing Address:
Horizons Plaza P.O. Box 1263
Buffalo, NY 14240-1263

Buffalo Toronto Public Media | Phone 716-845-7000
BTPM NPR Newsroom | Phone: 716-845-7040
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
red and white text reading OPPOSE RESCISSION PACKAGE CONTACT SENATE NOW 202-224-3121 against a blue background

Youth Accused of Killing Dentists Arraigned

By Mark Scott

Buffalo, NY – A Buffalo youth accused in the fatal stabbing of an Amherst dentist last month was arraigned Tuesday in State Supreme Court.

Seventeen-year-old Patrick Farrell is charged with second degree murder and criminal possession of a weapon in connection with the death of Dr. Joseph Matteliano. Farrell claims he was sexually fondled by Matteliano and that the stabbing was an act of self-defense.

District Attorney Frank Clark says he believes the charges are justified. He says the facts will come out at trial.

"I know that they encountered one another before, perhaps more times than the defendant is willing to admit right now," Clark said. "I think the victim was stabbed in the back and chest very viciously. We'll see what the motive may or may not have been."

Farrell pleaded not guilty at his arraignment. He remains held without bail.