Plea Rejected In Stabbing Death Of Blind Brook Grad

The college student who is accused of stabbing and killing a Westchester high school graduate in a Binghamton University dorm has rejected a plea deal that could have reduced his sentence. Michael Roque, 20, of Massepequa, Nassau County, will go to trial Sept. 24 for the death of Joao Souza, 19, who graduated from Blind Brook High School.

Roque was offered 20 years to life if he pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, the Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin said.

If convicted after trial, Roque could be sentenced to 25 years to life.

In court Thursday, the 20-year-old said he had not met with his defense lawyer enough, something attorney David Butler denied.

The judge gave them an opportunity to talk before continuing with the hearing, WICZ.com said.

However, after their discussion, Roque said still wanted to reject the plea.

According to Roque's indictment, he allegedly caused Souza's death in his dorm room April 15.

Souza was a first-year engineering student at Binghamton University. He was considered a star soccer player at Blind Brook.

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