Alleged drunk driver faces judge

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - An alleged drunk driver accused of killing a Buffalo mother and injuring her son faced a judge Wednesday.

"Christopher, is there anything you'd like to say?"

Christopher Tulumello had nothing to say as he left a Buffalo City Courtroom in handcuffs. His attorney asked the judge for an adjournment, to gather more information before they proceed with a felony hearing.

Police say Tulumello hit and killed 23-year-old Amanda Knowlton, and hurt her four-year-old son Isiah, then drove off.

It happened a week ago at Main and LaSalle in Buffalo. He was arrested about two hours later in Amherst.

The Erie County District Attorney says Tulumello's blood alcohol level was above the legal limit when he was arrested, but prosecutors won't tell us how high it was.

Isiah Ortiz's attorney Steve Boyd said, "My understanding, it was very high."

Knowlton's family was in court for the hearing, and tried to comfort each other in the hallway. They laid her to rest just Wednesday morning.

Steve Boyd is representing four-year-old Isiah Ortiz, and is investigating a possible civil suit. He says physically, Isiah looks alright, but it's a very tough time for him and Amanda's entire family.

Boyd said, "We tell people that it's a justice system, and we try to get them justice, but no matter what we do, there just can never be justice for Isiah or any of Amanda's family."

Isiah's father is in the Army, stationed in Texas. He flew back to Texas Wednesday, and will be finished with his service in five days. Then, he'll come back to Buffalo to take care of the little boy. Knowlton also had a nine-month-old son, and her family just learned she was three months pregnant when the accident happened.

Boyd said, "I think they're purely and simply devastated. This is a young mom struggling to get through."

Tulumello is due back in court January 8th. He's being held at the Erie County Holding Center.