Man pleads guilty in killing of Malone woman; sentencing set for October
Anthony G. Bechand pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the killing of Amanda Margaret Rodriguez, who grew up in Malone, and is scheduled to be sentenced Oct. 30.
By the ClickNNY North Country Desk
Anthony G. Bechand, 54, of Cohoes, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in Albany County Court in the killing of Amanda Margaret “Mandee” Rodriguez, who was born and raised in Malone. The Albany County District Attorney’s Office said Bechand faces 20 years to life in prison.
Bechand was arrested last September after a 13-day search in the Brighton and Paul Smiths area. State police and Franklin County sheriff’s deputies took him into custody near Paul Smith’s College. He is being held at the Albany County Correctional Facility pending sentencing, which is scheduled for Oct. 30.
Reported by ClickNNY and reviewed by an editor before publication.
More from ClickNNY
Guides and features from across the North Country.
ClickNNY Guide · Fort Drum
Fort Drum ERDS: How the Army manages excess equipment
The Army’s Equipment Redistribution and Divestiture Site program helps units redistribute or turn in excess equipment, including a Fort Drum operation that processed 16,426 pieces from April through June 2026.
ClickNNY Guide · Fort Drum
North Country winter driving and snow blower safety: what to know
Fort Drum Safety Office courses and New York guidance offer North Country residents advice on winter driving, vehicle preparation and snow blower operation.
ClickNNY Featured · Technology
Two Flaws, Millions of Websites: Inside the PHP Emergency and Why the Web Keeps Ending Up Here
Governments in Europe pulled websites offline Wednesday, and U.S. officials told anyone who can't patch to do the same. Here's what broke, why the internet keeps landing in this spot, and what North Country businesses, churches and town offices should do today.