Lockport Union-Sun & Journal Online

Crime

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  • Hans Diefenbach, accused of murder.

    Diefenbach, Hans
May 25, 2011

Stabbing victim dies

Murder charges pending against suspect

By Britney Milazzo Lockport Union-Sun & Journal

LOCKPORT — The woman stabbed last month by a Lockport man who told police she was a vampire, was pronounced dead at Erie County Medical Center on Wednesday afternoon — more than five weeks after she was hospitalized for stab wounds to the back.

Lockport Police Capt. Rick Podgers told the US&J on Wednesday that charges will be bumped up against Hans S. Diefenbach, 46, 70 Genesee St., who was originally charged with second-degree attempted murder, first-degree burglary and assault, and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon.

Podgers said Diefenbach’s case will be called to Grand Jury next week where he expects murder to be a part of those charges.

According to Lockport police, Diefenbach waived his right to an attorney and gave a complete written confession and admitted he went to the victim’s house to kill her, saying she was “a vampire.” He told police the woman was trying to poison him, Podgers said.

Police retrieved the weapon — the knife that was embedded in the 66-year-old victim’s back when she was transported to ECMC — the day after the stabbing.

According to police, the stab wound was nearly 8 inches long.

Lockport police received a 911 call early morning on April 21 from the victim, who said she was stabbed several times by Diefenbach. She told police Diefenbach came to her home, kicked in her front door then stabbed her.

Lockport Fire Rescue found the victim with multiple stab wounds and a knife sticking out of her back. Responders stabilized the victim, however she was pronounced dead at ECMC on Wednesday after being in a coma for nearly five weeks.

Diefenbach is currently being held at the Niagara County Jail.

Contact reporter Britney Milazzo at 439-9222, ext. 6251.

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