Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - The Buffalo community is mourning the loss of a pair of LGBTQ+ advocates and staples of the Allentown neighborhood in a double homicide on Tuesday.
Buffalo's Acting Mayor Chris Scanlon was joined by Buffalo Police officials on Wednesday to announce the passing of local artist, 40-year-old Mickey Harmon, and his partner, 37-year-old Jordan Celotto in their residence at 5 St. Louis Place in the city.
"I want to extend my deepest and most heartfelt condolences to their families, their friends, their loved ones, and the community during this unimaginable time," said Mayor Scanlon on Wednesday. "I want you to know that we share in the grief of those who knew, and of those who cherished them. I know there are no words that we can say that can take away your heartache, but just want you to know that I, and the entire Buffalo community are here for anything you may need."
According to deputy police commissioner Patrick Overdorf, a call came in to B District police on Tuesday at around 4:25 p.m. over a person with a knife. The call was made by a friend that was concerned over one of the victims did not show up to work.
"Upon arrival, the officers did encounter a male with a knife. The male did drop the knife, but only after cutting himself," detailed Overdorf on Wednesday. "The officers did call for an ambulance, the ambulance did arrive and transported the individual up to ECMC. The individual remains at ECMC at this time as a person of interest under the supervision of the Buffalo Police Department."
Upon a subsequent search of the residence, officers located both Harmon and Celotto deceased, with the cause of death determined to be blunt force trauma.
"Obviously, this investigation is ongoing by the Buffalo Police Homicide Squad, but at this time, there is no indication, at this point in the investigation, that it is related to a hate crime. But obviously we are early in the investigation, and continue to investigate all leads," Overdorf added.
The 35-year-old person of interest at ECMC is said to have not known Harmon or Celotto, which is why officials remain confident that there's no indication of a hate crime committed.
One individual on Wednesday that was overcome by some emotion over the deaths of Harmon and Celotto was Fillmore District Councilman Mitch Nowakowski. Not only does Nowakowski represent the Allentown neighborhood in the Buffalo Common Council, but he is also a member of the LGBTQ+ community, and a personal friend of both individuals.
"I refuse to allow Mickey and Jordan's memory to be attached to these heinous crimes," said Nowakowski, fighting back tears in the process. "I want everybody to know that these people were artists, were people of the Allentown community who made it better, who made things happen. Who worked with me ever since I got into office. When you look and see Allentown, its vibrancy, its festivals, its artwork, think of them because that is who they are. They do not deserve to have their legacy attached with the heinous crime that happened yesterday."
Nowakowski says it's hard to step foot on Allen Street without knowing who Harmon was.
"He is a prolific artist, and had an art gallery that he owned with a few people called the pineapple on Allen Street," he said. "When you look at the mural that's on Q, 44 Allen Street, you'll see historical figures. We had funny times with Mickey, where I was protesting slumlords with megaphones in front of buildings. He was a big part of Intersect and Pride, and bringing in different artists and venues to really not only just liven up Allen Street, but really bring in that cultural vibrancy that Allentown is known for. He was very hilarious, we had a really deep sense of humor."
Nowakowski adds Harmon was a big proponent of helping him get into elected office.
"Our community finally got representation on the Common Council after a seriously long time, because of people like Mickey that helped get me elected. And they were definitely peoples and pillars of the community who are far greater than their circumstances of how they departed," Nowakowski said. "That is what I promise people will know, because the last thing I want them to be known as is people that were victims of horrendous crimes and heinous acts. So to me, their contributions to the City of Buffalo and to Allentown are immeasurable."
As for Celotto, Nowakowski saw him as a sweet soul that was able to find love in Harmon and vise versa.
"My emotions have gone up and down, and had this thought that Jordan would just be laughing, that everyone would be talking about Mickey, because he was completely fine with Mickey being the big personality that he was," he said.
Buffalo mayoral candidate and New York State Sen. Sean Ryan released the following statement regarding the loss of Harmon and Celotto:
"Like so many in Buffalo, I am heartbroken to learn of the tragic loss of Mickey Harmon and Jordan Celotto. I have long admired the contributions they have made to the Buffalo community through their service, their art, and their commitment to a more just and equitable world.
"Mickey was an anchor of Buffalo’s LGBTQ+ community, a talented artist, and a dedicated leader in Allentown and across the City of Buffalo. And from Remedy House to the dance floor, Jordan will always be remembered for the welcoming presence and joy that he brought to countless friends and neighbors.
"Our city is a better and brighter place because of how Mickey and Jordan showed up and contributed. I share in all the grief that the Buffalo community is feeling, and I am keeping Mickey and Jordan’s families, friends, and communities in my thoughts during this difficult time."