Buffalo Couple Found Dead: Police Investigate Double Homicide

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Mickey Harmon, 40, and his partner Jordan Celotto, 37, were found dead in their home on St. Louis Place Tuesday afternoon, prompting a police investigation that authorities have ruled a double homicide.

A friend of Harmon and Celotto alerted police after noticing one of them did not show up for work. Upon arriving at their Allentown residence, the friend spotted a man with a knife inside the house and promptly called 911.

Deputy Buffalo Police Commissioner Patrick Overdorf confirmed that officers were able to detain the 35-year-old suspect, who sustained injuries by cutting himself during the encounter. The suspect was transported to Erie County Medical Center (ECMC) under police supervision.

After securing the scene, law enforcement conducted a search of the home, discovering the bodies of Harmon and Celotto. The Erie County Medical Examiner’s office determined both victims died from blunt force trauma, Overdorf noted.

During a press conference, Overdorf emphasized that the investigation is still ongoing. “There is no indication at this point in the investigation that it is related to a hate crime,” he stated, while affirming that they continue to explore all leads.

Fillmore District Councilman Mitch Nowakowski, the first openly gay member of the Buffalo City Council, expressed his sadness at the loss of Harmon and Celotto, whom he regarded as pivotal figures in the local community. “I refuse to allow Mickey and Jordan’s memory to be attached to these heinous crimes,” Nowakowski said. “They were artists, pillars of the Allentown community who made it better.”

Harmon co-owned an art shop on Allen Street and was actively involved in various Allentown business associations. Celotto was also known for his contributions to the local arts scene.

“It’s heartbreaking whenever we lose someone in the city of Buffalo to this type of violence, especially figures who contributed so significantly to our community,” said Acting Mayor Chris Scanlon. “You would be hard-pressed to walk through Allentown without a reminder of their participation and commitment to the vibrancy of our city.”

The Buffalo Police Department continues to work with the Erie County District Attorney’s Office in the investigation.