LOCKPORT, N.Y. — An arrest has been made in the death of a woman whose dismembered body was found in a vacant home in Niagara Falls five years ago.
An indictment was unsealed Tuesday morning in Niagara County Court in Lockport charging Yasin Abdu Sabur, 36, with murder for the death of Terri Lynn Bills, 46.
Niagara Falls Police were called to a vacant house on Willow Avenue the night of June 16, 2015 for the report of a possible dead body. Once they got there, they found the decomposing human remains of a woman.
Due to the gruesome nature of that crime, there was speculation that the person responsible for Bills' death was also responsible for the death of another woman whose body was found dismembered on August 25, 2012, Loretta Jo Gates, 30.
Before Gates disappeared, she left an apartment complex on Niagara Street in the Falls around 11 p.m. She told relatives she was going to a store across the street and would be back in 15 minutes.
She never returned.
Gates was killed at an unknown location and her body was dismembered. Parts of her body were found in both the Niagara River and Hyde Park.
"According to our investigation, the two murders were not committed by the same person," said Niagara County District Attorney Caroline Wojtaszek. "That determination helps us refocus on the murder of Loretta Gates and please know that we are equally committed to investigating and solving that case as well. Loretta's family deserves justice, and we will diligently seek answers for them."
Wojtaszek said Abdu Sabur was serving time for another crime at the time of Gates' murder.
"The last couple of days have been hard because it brings up everything again" said Loretta's father Arthur Gates. "They just want some answers and they thought they would get some answers today, which was more disappointing for the Loretta Jo Gates family."
Abdu Sabur was serving a sentence for domestic violence in the second degree and child neglect in South Carolina and was extradited here on February 28, to face this indictment after serving nearly a year.
Niagara County Sheriff’s Office Warrants Division went to South Carolina to take custody of Abdu Sabur and escorted him to the custody of the Niagara County Jail.
Abdu Sabur is charged with second degree murder and is being represented by the Niagara County Public Defender’s Office. In court, he pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.
Judge Sara Sheldon has placed a gag order on counsel from discussing the case any further with media.
Abdu Sabur will return to court later in March.