Drunk Driver Pleads Guilty for Killing Pedestrian in Amherst

Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that Jennifer A. Ortiz, 57, of Cheektowaga, pleaded guilty yesterday afternoon before Erie County Court Judge Kenneth F. Case to one count of Vehicular Manslaughter in the Second Degree (Class D felony). Ortiz pleaded guilty to the highest sustainable charge.

On Saturday, December 20, 2025, at approximately 6:00 p.m., the defendant was driving southbound on Kensington Avenue in the Town of Amherst when she hit a pedestrian near the intersection of Harlem Road. The victim, 70-year-old Cynthia A. Sitterle, was pronounced dead at the scene. The defendant, who was operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, left the scene without reporting the incident to police. She was later arrested at her residence.

Ortiz faces a maximum of 7 years in prison when she is sentenced on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. Our prosecutor requested that the defendant be remanded while pending sentence. She continues to be released on previously posted bail set at $25,000 cash, $50,000 bond or $250,000 partially secured bond.

DA Keane commends the Amherst Police Department for their work in this ongoing investigation and the Cheektowaga Police Department for their assistance.

The case was prosecuted by Chief Patrick B. Shanahan and Assistant District Attorney Mitchell T. Schoellkopf of the Vehicular Crimes Bureau.