Amherst man admits to attempted murder in connection with arson of girlfriend’s house

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — An Amherst man pleaded guilty to attempted murder Thursday in connection with a 2020 arson that left one person dead, the Erie County District Attorney’s Office announced.

In the early morning of Sept. 30, 2020, 50-year-old Daniel Martinez intentionally set a fire inside his girlfriend’s residence in Buffalo, according to the DA’s Office. She was not home at the time but her mother was, sleeping in their shared residence on Concord Ave.

Officials said the mother, Maria Galazka, suffered multiple burns and smoke inhalation and was transported to ECMC by ambulance. She died in the hospital on Nov. 5, her 66th birthday.

Martinez was charged with one count of second-degree attempted murder. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 4 and faces a maximum of 25 years in prison.

Martinez remains released on previously posted bail despite prosecutors requesting that he be remanded.

Kayleigh Hunter-Gasperini joined the News 4 team in 2024 as a Digital Video Producer. She is a graduate of Chatham University.