SHARE

Man Charged In Homicide Of Ex-Hudson Valley HS Soccer Star Switches Plea

In an about-face, a 20-year-old former Binghamton University student has now admitted to fatally stabbing a 19-year-old former high school soccer standout from Westchester after rejecting a plea deal last week.

Michael Roque

Michael Roque

Photo Credit: Binghamton Police
Joao Souza

Joao Souza

Photo Credit: Contributed

Michael Roque, who is charged with second-degree murder, entered the plea in Broome County Court to the fatal on-campus stabbing of Rye Brook resident Joao Souza on Friday. He is being held in jail until his sentencing on Nov. 16.

Souza, a freshman engineering student and Blind Brook High School graduate, was fatally stabbed several times in a residential hall on Sunday, April 15.

Roque, who is from Massapequa in Nassau County, was quickly identified as a suspect after being caught on surveillance cameras and he was subsequently arrested. At the time, police said that the incident was not a random act. Roque was indicted on the murder charge on May 14.

As part of the deal, Roque has been offered a reduced sentence of up to 20 years in prison. He had been facing 25 years to life if the case went to trial.

to follow Daily Voice North Rockland and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE