Man Sentenced to 23 Years to Life in Gruesome Killing of Niagara Falls Woman

A Lockport man will spend the next 23 years to life in prison for the gruesome stabbing death of a Niagara Falls mother, in what prosecutors describe as a devastating case of domestic violence.

Keith W. Hill, 33, was sentenced by Niagara County Court Judge Caroline Wojtaszek on Tuesday, nearly 14 months after the murder of 34-year-old Tania Wilson inside her Orleans Avenue home. Hill had previously pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and other charges stemming from the March 31st, 2024, incident that claimed Wilson’s life and traumatized her four children.

Niagara County District Attorney Brian D. Seaman condemned the crime, calling Hill a “cowardly killer” whose actions will leave a lasting scar on Wilson’s family.

“This despicable crime of domestic violence will forever scar the family of Tania Wilson, who mourn her loss,” Seaman said. “At least they won’t have to worry where the cowardly killer who took her life is for a very long time.”

Falls police responded to a 911 call shortly before 11pm on March 31st reporting a possible domestic disturbance at Wilson’s home. Upon arrival, officers discovered Wilson’s lifeless body and four children inside the residence, ranging from toddlers to teenagers. Investigators said Wilson had been stabbed multiple times and died at the scene.

The children, all of whom were Wilson’s, were not physically harmed but witnessed the aftermath of the violence. They are now in the care of relatives.

Following an intensive investigation by the Niagara Falls Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division, detectives uncovered evidence of previous domestic violence incidents involving Hill and Wilson. Prosecutors also cited Hill’s past conviction for weapons possession and a standing order of protection issued by a Pennsylvania court that Hill had violated at the time of the murder.

In fact, when Hill was taken into custody on April 4th, 2024, he was also arrested on an outstanding warrant related to that protection order, which charged him with second-degree criminal contempt.

Hill originally pleaded not guilty to the charges but later admitted to second-degree murder, aggravated criminal contempt, and criminal contempt in connection to the killing.

Prosecutors Doreen Hoffmann, First Assistant District Attorney, and Heather Nicholson, Bureau Chief of the Special Victims Unit, led the prosecution in collaboration with the Niagara Falls Police Department.

Judge Wojtaszek, in sentencing Hill, imposed a maximum cap of 23 years to life. Hill will not be eligible for parole until at least 2048.

Man Sentenced to 23 Years to Life in Gruesome Killing of Niagara Falls Woman