WBFO: Murder of 15 year old Buffalo Teen Solved (2009-07-03)

WBFO News

Murder of 15 year old Buffalo Teen Solved

Eileen Buckley (2009-07-03)

21 year old Julian Christopher of Buffalo arrested with murder of Kowat Rual Buffalo Police photo

BUFFALO, NY (WBFO) - Buffalo Police have made an arrest in the brutal beating death of a 15 year old Sudanese teen. The body of Kowat Rual was discovered near the edge of the Buffalo River near Ohio Street early last month.

Deputy police commissioner Daniel Derenda says they have arrested and charged 21-year-old Julian Christopher of Buffalo with murder.

"The suspect was apprehended yesterday (Thursday) after a citizen tip lead to his apprehension. He gave a statement that implicated him in the homicide. He was placed under arrest and charged with murder in the second degree," said Derenda.

Derenda says the murder was a viscous beating.

Police say the suspect and victim were acquaintances. The murder was allegedly over a minor theft.

Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown says he is pleased with the arrest. He says the murder "shook the community" and the members of Buffalo's local Sudanese community.

Buffalo Police say homicide detectives have solved 15 of the 23 murders so far this year.