Niagara Falls Murder Case Moves Forward with Jury Selection

Jury selection is underway in the trial of a Niagara Falls man accused of a 2022 fatal stabbing.

Attorneys for both the prosecution and defense have begun seating jurors in the case against 32-year-old Al Villane. Villane faces one count of second-degree murder in connection with the death of 47-year-old Hollis Stewart in November 2022. He has previously entered a plea of not guilty.

Authorities said Stewart sustained stab wounds during what appeared to be a confrontation with Villane on September 19th, 2022, at an apartment building located on the 700 block of 20th Street.

Stewart was transported to Erie County Medical Center where he underwent emergency surgery. He remained hospitalized for more than a month before dying from his injuries in November 2022.

According to Niagara Falls Police, patrol officers responding to the scene found Stewart suffering from serious stab wounds. Investigators with the department’s Crime Scene Unit reported recovering the suspected weapon inside the apartment.

The weapon is expected to be used by the prosecution during Villane's trial.

Criminal Investigation Division detectives said Villane was taken into custody at the scene shortly after the stabbing.

At the time of his arrest, he was charged with first-degree assault, but a Niagara County grand jury later indicted him on the murder charge.

Villane has been held without bail since his arrest at the Niagara County Jail.

Niagara Falls Murder Case Moves Forward with Jury Selection