Cohoes, NY – Police in Cohoes and surrounding communities are intensifying their search for a man identified as a person of interest in the stabbing death of his girlfriend, a crime that has shaken the quiet Capital Region city.
Discovery of the Victim
The victim has been identified as Amanda Rodriguez, 41, who was found dead inside her Earl Lynn Court home around 9:15 a.m. on Sunday. Authorities say a close friend went to check on her after Rodriguez’s mother grew concerned when she couldn’t reach her daughter. That friend made the devastating discovery and immediately contacted police.
An autopsy later confirmed that Rodriguez had died from a stab wound inflicted by a sharp object. The wound caused a ruptured aorta, leading to massive internal bleeding. Investigators believe Rodriguez was killed on Saturday, approximately 24 hours before her body was found.
Person of Interest Named
Police have identified 53-year-old Anthony Bechand, Rodriguez’s boyfriend, as a person of interest in the case. Cohoes Police Chief Todd Waldin said evidence suggests Bechand was at the residence around the time of the crime.
“It was determined that his truck was seen at the residence and then his truck was seen leaving the residence shortly after the incident took place,” Chief Waldin confirmed.
Vehicle Abandoned Near Border
Through a network of license plate readers, New York State Police tracked Bechand’s vehicle north toward Franklin County. The truck was discovered abandoned on County Route 60 (Rainbow Road) near County Route 86 (Easy Street) in the town of Brighton. The location is roughly 50 minutes south of the Canadian border, raising concerns that Bechand may attempt to flee the country.
Authorities have since concentrated their search efforts in Franklin County, with New York State Forest Rangers and U.S. Border Patrol assisting in the manhunt.
Public Safety Concerns
Police are urging the public to remain vigilant and avoid approaching Bechand if spotted. “Under an abundance of caution, consider this person to potentially be armed and dangerous,” Chief Waldin warned.
He also emphasized the seriousness of the case, noting, “We’re doing everything that we can to locate him. I would like this to come to a peaceful resolution. I can’t say that there’s no threat out there. There’s somebody who’s done a horrific act, committed a homicide as far as we know.”
Community Shock
The killing marks Cohoes’ first homicide of 2025, a grim milestone for the community. Cohoes Mayor Bill Keeler said Rodriguez had lived in the Earl Lynn Court home since purchasing it in 2015. He confirmed that police had never been called to the residence prior to this incident.
Officials also revealed that Bechand has no prior criminal history, a detail that makes the case more troubling and unusual. “There are a lot of things about the case that are unusual,” Chief Waldin noted, though he did not elaborate further.
Ongoing Investigation
As of Monday evening, Bechand’s whereabouts remain unknown, and law enforcement continues to pursue leads. Authorities are combing wooded areas, monitoring border crossings, and following up on reported sightings.
Police are asking anyone with information about Bechand’s movements or location to contact New York State Police immediately.
For Rodriguez’s family, friends, and neighbors, the shock of her violent death has left deep sorrow and fear in a community unaccustomed to such tragedy. As investigators continue their search, residents across the Capital Region remain on edge, hoping for a swift resolution and justice for Amanda Rodriguez.