ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Rochester Police found 38-year-old Christopher Austin with a stab wound to his neck on Friday at 9:30 pm. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The investigation found that Austin went to a store at 917 North St. when confronted by the suspect, who was identified as 45-year-old Herbert Montgomery. Montgomery started a fight in which he stabbed Austin in the neck, killing him.

Montgomery drove away from the scene.

On Saturday at 9:30 a.m. RPD found Montgomery in the area of West High Terrace and took him into custody without incident. He has been charged with murder.

Montgomery is a twice-convicted felon and is currently on federal probation after being convicted of
conspiracy with the intent to distribute narcotics.

It was found that 42-year-old Sarah Lee McFadden, who is in a relationship with Montgomery, tampered with evidence and attempted to hinder prosecution related to the murder of Christopher Austin. She was taken into custody at the same time as Montgomery. She has been charged with the felonies of tampering with physical evidence and hindering prosecution.

RPD Major Crimes Capt. Frank Umbrino said Montgomery was arraigned on murder in the second degree and will be held without bail. McFadden was arraigned for hampering prosecution and hindering physical evidence and was released on her own recognizance.

Anyone with information is asked to call 911, the Major Crimes Section 585-428-7157, Crime Stoppers 585-423-9300, or email MajorCrimes@cityofrochester.gov.