Cohoes man who pleaded guilty to girlfriend’s murder to be sentenced
Jordan Kim has spent 3 years reporting on local government issues in Albany with a focus on transparency and accountability. A graduate of Ithaca College, he also contributes to various political blogs and has experience with local advocacy organizations.
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Cohoes man who pleaded guilty to girlfriend’s murder to be sentenced By WNYT Cohoes man who admitted to killing girlfriend to be sentenced A man who pleaded guilty to killing his girlfriend is expected to be sentenced Friday afternoon in Albany County Court. Anthony Bechand could face 20 years to life in prison for the murder of 41-year-old Amanda Rodriguez. Rodriguez was found dead with multiple stab wounds inside the Cohoes home she shared with Bechand on September 14, 2025. A family member had asked police to check on her. After investigators identified Bechand as a suspect, he disappeared, sparking a nearly two-week manhunt. His pickup truck was tracked to the Adirondacks, and he was eventually captured on September 26 near Paul Smith’s College in Franklin County, not far from the Canadian border. Bechand pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in August. Ahead of Friday’s sentencing, prosecutors told NewsChannel 13 that Rodriguez’s family has been involved throughout the case, showing up for court appearances and taking part in lengthy discussions about whether to take the case to trial or reach a plea agreement. Alyssa Congdon, bureau chief of the Special Victims Unit at the Albany County District Attorney’s Office, said prosecutors believe the resolution is one the family is satisfied with. Congdon also said a trial would have meant bringing painful details about Rodriguez’s death into the courtroom and making them public. Bechand is expected to be sentenced at 1:30 p.m. Friday.