BUFFALO, N.Y. — A Cheektowaga man has pleaded guilty to beating his wife to death in 2019.
Yuriy Bruks, 38, pleaded guilty in Erie County Court to one count of Manslaughter in the First Degree.
First responders were called to home on Raymond Avenue in Cheektowaga on August 4, 2019. When they arrived, they found Tetiana Bruks, 34, dead inside of a bathroom.
The Erie County Medical Examiner ruled Tetiana Bruks' death as a homicide, as she died from blunt force trauma to her head, neck and torso. Investigators say Yuriy Bruks beat his wife repeatedly, causing her death.
Yuriy Bruks fled the area and was arrested two months later by the US Marshals after he illegally crossed into Mexico. They say he was in possession of a one-way plant ticket from Mexico to Istanbul, Turkey.
“The family of Tetiana Bruks has waited a long time for justice. Today, I am pleased to announce that this defendant pleaded guilty. My office will continue to hold abusers accountable. I encourage anyone who feels unsafe at home to contact the BE SAFE Domestic Violence Victim Advocacy Program. My office and other community resources are available to help,” said Erie County District Attorney John Flynn in a released statement.
Yuriy Bruks faces a maximum of 25-years in prison when he is sentenced June 9. He is currently being held without bail.
If you, or someone you know, is a victim of domestic violence, contact the the BE SAFE Domestic Violence Victim Advocacy Program, call 716-858-4630 or visit www.erie.gov/besafe.