Officials in upstate New York announced that a manhunt is underway for 53-year-old homicide suspect Anthony Bechand, who has been on the run ever since his girlfriend, Amanda Rodriguez, was found dead.
Rodriguez was found dead at the age of 41 in her home in Cohoes, New York, on the morning of Sunday, September 14, according to ABC News. The Cohoes Police Department confirmed that Bechand has been missing ever since Rodriguez’s body was discovered.
Once her body was found in the home the couple lived in together, the Cohoes Police Department contacted New York State Police to assist in the investigation. Officials said they believe that Bechand “fled in an unknown direction and was wearing an unknown outfit at the time of his departure.”
Authorities confirmed that Bechand is still on the run as of Wednesday, September 17, while Cohoes Police Chief Todd Waldin confirmed to ABC News that he “may be armed and dangerous.”
Suspect in Custody After Driving Car Into Pittsburgh FBI Gate as ‘Act of Terror’
It was originally believed that Bechand was traveling in a white 2024 Chevrolet Suburban. However, New York State Police said in a statement that officials located the vehicle on September 14 “on County Route 60 at the intersection of County Route 86 in the Town of Brighton, Franklin County,” per ABC News.
Police said that Bechand stands at 5 feet, 11 inches tall and he weighs approximately 180 pounds, while he has hazel eyes and brown hair.
Authorities also said that the public’s assistance is “vital as this investigation continues.” In addition to remaining alert, authorities have also asked people to report any information they know about Bechand to the New York State Police at (518) 897-2000.
After news of Rodriguez’s death circulated, Cohoes Mayor Bill Keeler reacted to the situation in a statement obtained by News 10. “Cohoes has a homicide about every 18 months. Our last one was two years ago. So, it’s a very safe city,” he said, insisting that the occurrence is rare.
Influencer Designs Her Own Dress for ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ Finale Premiere
Despite insisting that the town is safe, Keeler noted that residents are valid in feeling on edge as Bechand remains on the run.
“I think it’s natural for people to feel worried whenever there’s a homicide, and particularly when the person is at large, they have no reason to believe that he’s still in the area or a threat to anybody else,” he said. “This looks like it was a, you know, a targeted domestic maybe heat of the moment thing.”
