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Niagara Falls
Thursday, 16
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Submitted by the Niagara County District Attorney’s Office
Niagara County District Attorney Brian D. Seaman announced 66-year-old William L. Smith, of Niagara Falls, pled guilty Monday morning to the crime of murder in the second degree. Smith admitted to beating 79-year-old Valerie M. Maye to death in their shared apartment in July of 2025.
The plea was entered as jury selection was about to begin. Smith faces between 20 and 23 years to life in prison when he returns to court to be sentenced Dec. 11 by Acting Supreme Court Justice Mario Giacobbe.
Seaman said, “The crimes committed against Valerie Maye by this defendant comprise one of the most heinous cases of domestic violence and elder abuse that I have seen as a prosecutor. The sentence to be imposed should ensure that this defendant will never get out of prison.”
The case was investigated by the Niagara Falls Police Department and prosecuted by First Assistant District Attorney Doreen Hoffmann and Executive Assistant District Attorney Maria Stoelting.
1859 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island, NY 14072
Phone: 716-773-7676
Fax: 716-773-7190
