Cohoes homicide suspect in police custody

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10)– Anthony Bechand, the suspect in the Cohoes homicide, is in New York State Police custody, the Albany County District Attorney’s Office confirmed.

New York State Police said around 7:30 a.m. on Friday, troopers received tips about a suspicious person walking on State Route 86, near Paul Smith’s College. Franklin County Sheriff’s Deputies and troopers responded and identified him as Bechand.

Police believe Bechand killed his girlfriend, 41-year-old Amanda Rodriguez, in her home on Saturday, September 13. She was found the next day, but Bechand had already left the area.

An autopsy found that Rodriguez’s manner of death was a homicide, according to the City of Cohoes. Her cause of death was a ruptured aorta and massive hemorrhage from being stabbed from a sharp object.

Bechand reportedly fled the home around 8:30 a.m. in a white 2024 Chevrolet Silverado, which was later found unoccupied on County Route 60 at the intersection of County Route 86 in the town of Brighton in Franklin County.

According to Cohoes Police Chief Todd Waldin, Bechand was located about 3 miles away from where the truck was located.

Investigators said they were working with state police, U.S. Border and Customs, and the forest rangers to track the area. On Saturday, state police said the search for Bechand continued with additional help from the U.S. Marshals Task Force, Northern Regional Special Response Team.

His arrest comes less than 24 hours after law enforcement said a search remained ongoing and if you saw something, to say something. Chief Waldin said the press conference held Thursday was what helped law enforcement locate him.

Charges are still pending, and law enforcement is still working out the details around his arraignment, which the DA’s office said is expected to be Monday around 1:30 p.m.

NYSP said an investigation remains ongoing.

The full press conference can be watched above.