Morning News Brief

New York State police are investigating a deadly crash that occurred in Orleans County on Sunday.  The crash occurred around 5:30 p.m. on East Barre Road in the Town of Barre. Police said 32-year-old Joshua Watkins of Albion was traveling west and exited the road into a field, his vehicle overturned multiple times and he was ejected. He was pronounced dead at the scene.  Police said Watkins was the only occupant in the vehicle and was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. 

A man is charged with murder in connection to the deadly beating of a man on the city’s west side over the summer.  Police arrested 39 year old Quintel Crockton for allegedly killing 61 year old Terran Felder the night of Wednesday, Aug. 23.  Investigators determined Crockton began assaulting Felder outside the mini-mart at 1218 Jay Street, before the incident spilled over into the store, where officers found Felder. Crockton is charged with second-degree murder and was arraigned in Rochester City Court Monday morning.

Local families of murdered loved ones met with NYS senators and police on Monday to speak out against a state parole reform bill.  Several people said that having a cap on the age of prisoners would be an insult to the memories of those who had been murdered. The proposed legislation would allow an incarcerated person aged 55 and older to be considered for the possibility of parole if they have served at least 15 years of their sentence.  There are no exceptions for the seriousness of the crime.

Major changes have been proposed to New York’s current guidelines for students to graduate from high school. A panel laid out its recommendations yesterday, and they included replacing three diploma types with just one diploma type, ensuring access to career and technical education, and also creating more tailored requirements for certain groups of students. Right now, students need to pass multiple Regents exams to get their diploma. It’s unlikely any changes will go into effect for at least a year.

The struggles of the Buffalo Bills continue as the team drops its second game in a row. The Bills gave up a 36-yard field goal as time expired and lost to the Denver Broncos 24 to 22 at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park last night. Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen tossed a touchdown pass and had a rushing score but also threw two interceptions and his team’s record this season is now five wins and five losses. Their next game is Sunday against the New York Jets.

The Buffalo Zoo announced it has started its winter operating hours.  Beginning Monday and continuing through March 28 the zoo will be closed to the public every Monday through Thursday and open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The zoo will be open during the week from December 26 through December 29 on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and Presidents Day.