Rochester Woman Sentenced to 12 Years for Fatal Hawley Street Stabbing!
A 23-year-old woman from Rochester, New York, was sentenced to 12 years in prison on Friday for fatally stabbing a man in June 2021. Charlene Long was convicted of second-degree manslaughter after stabbing 31-year-old Matthew Gaudio multiple times during an altercation on Hawley Street.
According to investigators, the incident occurred late in the evening when an argument escalated, leading Long to stab Gaudio in the chest. Emergency services rushed him to the hospital, but despite their efforts, Gaudio succumbed to his injuries shortly after.
During the sentencing, the court also imposed five years of post-release supervision in addition to Long’s 12-year prison term. Monroe County prosecutors emphasized the gravity of the crime, highlighting the loss of life in a violent manner. “This is a tragic event that could have been avoided,” one prosecutor remarked.
Family and friends of Gaudio expressed relief at the sentencing but also sorrow over the loss of their loved one. “No amount of jail time will bring Matt back,” said a relative, who wished to remain anonymous, “but we’re grateful that justice is being served.”
Long’s defense attorney described the incident as a tragedy for all involved, noting that Long had no prior criminal history and acted in the heat of the moment. “This was a horrific event, but my client never intended for anyone to lose their life that night.”
Gaudio’s death marks another grim chapter in Rochester’s struggles with violent crime. The city has experienced a surge in such incidents in recent years, prompting local leaders to call for more comprehensive solutions to curb the violence.