Tonawanda Man Arraigned for Killing His Wife

Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that Nicholas M. Malvaso, 36, of Town of Tonawanda, was arraigned on Saturday afternoon before Tonawanda Town Court Justice J. Patrick Lennon on one count of Murder in the Second Degree (Class A-I felony).

It is alleged that on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at approximately 2:45 a.m., Town of Tonawanda Police officers and paramedics responded to a residence on the 300 block of Cleveland Drive after receiving a 911 call. The victim, a 51-year-old female, was pronounced deceased inside of her home. The defendant is accused of intentionally causing the death of his wife.

Malvaso is scheduled to return on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. for a felony hearing. He was held without bail.

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

DA Keane commends Detective Robert Kubus, Detective Mark Muscoreil, Detective Mak Shell, Officer Justin Okun and Officer Nick Thomas of the Town of Tonawanda Police Department for their work in this investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Frank A. Strano of the Homicide Bureau and Chief Justin T. Wallens of the Narcotics/Intelligence Bureau.

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