Late on a Friday evening, Rochester law enforcement discovered the lifeless body of a 38-year-old man, known as Christopher Austin, at a scene marked by violence. A grim examination established the cause of death as a knife wound to the neck. He was declared dead immediately, depicting the severity of his injuries.
Further investigation into the incident led to a horrific trajectory through which Austin’s last moments unfolded. Based on the collected evidence, he had been shopping at a local store located at 917 North St. His mundane routine was abruptly interrupted by an encounter with an individual, later identified as Herbert Montgomery, aged 45.
What initially appeared to be a harmless confrontation escalated drastically when Montgomery confronted Austin. The resulting violence led to a brutal assault where Austin was stabbed in the neck, an injury that ultimately proved fatal. Montgomery, after committing the horrendous act, hastily left the scene.
The following day at around half-past nine in the morning, Rochester Police Department (RPD) officers discovered Montgomery loitering around West High Terrace. With the gravity of the crime in mind, Montgomery was apprehended without any further incident. Post-arrest procedures quickly ensued, and he was subsequently charged with murder.
Montgomery, it came to light, was not a stranger to the judicial system, having been previously convicted for serious criminal offenses on two separate occasions. His previous convictions elevate the case’s complexity as he was serving a federal probation term. His probation followed his conviction for being involved in a criminal conspiracy with the intent to distribute narcotics.
In a surprising twist, it was revealed that Montgomery’s significant other, Sarah Lee McFadden—42 years of age—played an allegedly significant role in the aftermath of Austin’s murder. Detailed investigations suggested that she not only meddled with the evidence relating to the case but also stepped over the line in an attempt to intervene in the prosecution’s work.
McFadden was taken into custody synchronously with Montgomery. This strategic apprehension was designed to minimize any further potential obstruction. Upon her detention, McFadden was charged with two crimes, both felonies—tampering with physical evidence and hindering prosecution.
The severe charges against both Montgomery and McFadden were formally presented during their arraignment. Frank Umbrino, Captain of RPD Major Crimes, expounded on the charges. He revealed that Montgomery was charged with the serious charge of second-degree murder and, considering the gravity of the offense, was set to be detained without the possibility of bail.
McFadden, likewise, was arraigned and faced the charges of interfering with the prosecution’s work and tampering with physical evidence related to the case. In contrast to Montgomery’s immediate detention, McFadden was released on her own recognizance after the court appearance.
Late-Night Murder in Rochester: Christopher Austin Stabbed appeared first on Real News Now.
About Author
