Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - An Elma man is facing a murder charge for his alleged role in the death of his longtime partner at their residence on W. Blood Road.
61-year-old Frank Litterio was arraigned at Erie County Medical Center on Friday afternoon before State Supreme Court Justice M. William Boller, acting as an Elma Town Court Justice, on one count of Murder in the Second Degree (Class “A-I” felony).
It is alleged that on Wednesday, Dec. 13 at approximately 5:04 p.m. EST, the Erie County Sheriff’s Office responded to the call of a welfare check at the residence on the 1800 block of W. Blood Road. Deputies found the victim, 62-year-old Jill Harris, deceased inside of the home.
Litterio is accused of intentionally causing the death of his intimate partner of 15 years by shooting her with a crossbow three times while inside the living room of their shared home. Litterio had shot Harris once in the abdomen, once in the face and another time in the chest.
"Upon arrival of the encounter, 61-year-old Frank Litterio was exhibiting signs of self-inflicted wounds. He had a laceration to his neck, puncture wounds to his chest and injuries to his wrists," said Erie County Undersheriff William Cooley on Friday. "Immediately thereafter, they encountered the victim, 62-year-old Jill Harris, on a couch in the living room. She was deceased from arrows that were shot from a crossbow."
Litterio was taken to ECMC to be treated for his wounds, but once he is released from the hospital, he will be transported to the Erie County Holding Center, where he will be remanded.
Authorities say it was Litterio's sister who made the 9-1-1 call to police to commence the welfare check on her brother.
"When you consider what it takes to load and fire a crossbow, there's a process to it. This was clearly deliberate actions," Undersheriff Cooley said. "Based upon the scene investigation, it's believed the victim had been deceased for a while, although it's difficult to discern exactly how long. Detectives are still working through and trying to establish a timeline."
Litterio is scheduled to return to court on Monday, Jan. 29, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. EST for a felony hearing. If convicted of the charge, Litterio faces a maximum sentence of 25 years-to-life in prison.