Written Decision Expected in B.U. Murder Case

A written decision may come November 14 in Broome County Court for a Binghamton University student accused of stabbing another student multiple times in his dorm room, killing him last April.

20 year old Michael Roque of Massapequa pleaded guilty in September to felony murder in the stabbing death of 19 year old freshman Joao Souza, but then asked twice for the guilty plea to be withdrawn.

Roque told Judge Kevin Dooley he was pressured into the plea against his will and criticized his lawyer’s handling of his case.

The Broome County District Attorney’s office says Judge Dooley could make a decision today on whether Roque will be sentenced for the second degree murder plea later this month or if he will go to trial.