Victim brutally beaten over minor theft

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Buffalo Police made an arrest after a teen's body was pulled from the Buffalo River last month. Police say the victim was brutally beaten over a minor theft.

Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown said, "We're here to announce a homicide arrest."

Mayor Brown joined police brass in announcing the arrest of 21-year-old Julian Christopher for murder in the second degree.

Police believe he's the one who brutally beat and strangled 15-year-old Kowat Rual of Garner Street, and then dumped his body along the Buffalo River near Ohio Street on June 9th.

Deputy Police Commisioner Daniel Derenda said, "We believe it was over a minor theft. Like I say, they've known each other for a while."

Ten days after the murder, police put out Christopher's picture and also Charles Williams, as people of interest in the killing, but days later Williams turned himself in as a witness to crime.

Williams will not face charges.

Derenda said, "Our detectives did a fantastic job."

Police make it clear that after the media put out the pictures, the citizens provided

Thursday's tip to catch the murder suspect.

Mayor Brown said, "I want to ask citizens to continue to search their hearts. If you have any information on any homicide or any shooting that's occured in the City of Buffalo and you want to provide us with information, you can do that by calling our tip call number which is 847-2255."

So far this year, there have been 23 murders, and now 15 of them have been solved.