Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that Michael C. Brown, 55, of Clarence, was arraigned yesterday evening before Clarence Town Court Justice Jonathan S. Hickey on one count of Murder in the Second Degree (Class A-I felony).

It is alleged that on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at approximately 2:55 a.m., Erie County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to a residence on 9100 block of Sheridan Drive in the Town of Clarence after receiving a 911 call. The victim, a 50-year-old female, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The defendant is accused of intentionally causing the death of his wife.

Brown is scheduled to return on Monday, June 22, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. for a felony hearing. He was held without bail.

If convicted of the charge, Brown faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison.

DA Keane commends the Erie County Sheriff's Office Investigative Services Unit for their work in this ongoing investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Frank A. Strano of the Homicide Bureau and Assistant Chief Rebecca A. Fioravanti of the Domestic Violence Bureau/Special Victims Unit.

As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.