Official Report Confirms: Tramaine Sanchez Died by Suicide in Niagara County Jail, Not Killed by Cellmates
It appears there is no credible evidence or reputable reporting to support the notion that Tramaine Sanchez was “hung and killed by her cellmates.” In fact, according to the official 2023 Final Report by the New York State Commission of Correction, Tramaine Sanchez died by suicide on December 30, 2022, following a hanging attempt inside the Niagara County Jail.
🧾 Summary of Verified Facts
1. The Murder of Kenneth Walaszek
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On November 16, 2020, 56-year-old Kenneth (or 52-year-old Kenneth/Walaszek in some reporting) Walaszek was stabbed to death outside an apartment at Packard Court in Niagara Falls, NY.
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Tramaine Sanchez, then aged 24 or 25, along with two 17‑year-olds, was arrested and charged with Second Degree Murder and Conspiracy.
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In June 2021, Sanchez pled guilty to these charges and was awaiting sentencing at the time of her death.
2. Death While in Custody
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According to a detailed medical review, Sanchez had a long history of severe mental health struggles, including persistent suicidal ideation and repeated self-harm attempts while in jail.
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She was observed multiple times tying sheets into nooses or otherwise threatening to harm herself, which prompted periods of constant observation and supervisory intervention.
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On December 23, 2022, while under custody at the Niagara County Jail, she attempted suicide by hanging. Despite supervision, she sustained serious injuries and ultimately died on December 30, 2022 from complications arising from that self-harm incident.
❌ Misconceptions Corrected
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There is no record or investigation indicating that Sanchez was killed by her cellmates or harmed by any other incarcerated individuals.
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The official documents and investigation show that her death was self-inflicted, not a homicide perpetrated by others.
📌 Context & Administrative Oversight
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The New York State Commission of Correction’s Final Report specifically highlighted significant lapses in addressing her mental health needs: the facility did not refer her for psychiatric hospitalization despite repeated self-harm indicators.
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The Report mandates that the Niagara County Jail physician review mental health care provided, particularly why psychiatric hospitalization was never considered given her documented crisis behaviors.
📝 What We Know
| Topic | Verified Information |
|---|---|
| Incident | Kenneth Walaszek was stabbed to death on Nov 16, 2020. Sanchez and two teenagers were arrested. |
| Legal Outcome | Sanchez pled guilty to Second‑Degree Murder and Conspiracy in June 2021. |
| Time in Custody | Held at Niagara County Jail awaiting sentencing. |
| Mental Health | Exhibited chronic suicidal behavior; multiple incidents of self-harm attempts. |
| Cause of Death | Suicide by hanging attempt on Dec 23, 2022; died Dec 30, 2022 due to complications. |
| No Evidence | No indication or case records showing Sanchez was killed by cellmates. |
🧠 Final Note
The misunderstanding that Tramaine Sanchez was “hung and killed by her cellmates” appears to be unfounded. The official report is unequivocal that she died as a result of her own suicidal actions and not through violence inflicted by others in custody. If you came across claims to the contrary, they may stem from rumor, misinterpretation, or inaccurate reporting.
If you’d like more detail—such as the sentencing status before her death, or information on the co-defendants—I’d be happy to help with that.