HENRIETTA, NEW YORK — A 37-year-old man pleaded guilty Friday to second-degree murder for stabbing to death a truck driver who had found him walking on the side of a road in the cold, given him a ride, paid for him to stay in a hotel for a month, and made sure he was fed — a story of extraordinary compassion met with what the victim’s family is calling a homophobic hate crime.
Richard Leo entered his guilty plea on October 9 in Monroe County for the January 31 death of Daniel Fiero, 40, of Penn Yan, New York. Sentencing is scheduled for November 16.
Investigators said Fiero found Leo in December walking along a road in the cold and offered him a ride. Learning Leo was a homeless veteran with nowhere to go, Fiero paid for Leo to stay at the Extended Stay America on Commons Way in Henrietta for a month and ensured he had food throughout that time. After approximately a month, the two got into a dispute inside the hotel room. Leo attacked Fiero out of anger. Fiero died from extreme injuries to his head and face and multiple stab wounds.
The family’s GoFundMe describes what happened as Fiero being “stabbed to death in a homophobic hate crime in a hotel.” The page, set up to cover funeral expenses and care for Fiero’s special needs sister, describes him as someone who “took care of his special needs sister, always helped others when he could, and worked hard to overcome his traumas.”
“Daniel was a real person — not just another name attached to a tragedy. He was loved deeply, and his life mattered,” the family wrote. “He was a truck driver for many years and always had a job, a story, and a heart for those in need.”
Assistant District Attorney Patrick Gallagher said Fiero represented the best of human character. “Daniel Fiero was the kind of person we should all strive to be. When he encountered a stranger in need, he did not hesitate to offer a helping hand. What began as a simple act of kindness became an extraordinary display of compassion and generosity. Tragically, Richard Leo repaid that kindness with an unimaginable act of violence, brutally taking the life of the very person who had gone out of his way to help him.”
Monroe County District Attorney Brian Green said the case represents a senseless and incomprehensible loss. “Daniel Fiero lost his life because he chose to help someone in need, and that is a tragedy that is difficult to comprehend. His compassion and generosity were met with senseless violence at the hands of Richard Leo. No act of kindness should ever end in such a loss.”
Donations to support Daniel’s family and sister can be made by searching for Daniel Fiero on GoFundMe.
Information courtesy of local media and Monroe County District Attorney’s Office.
📸 Image(s) used under fair use for news reporting.
