BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) – A 28-year-old Buffalo man was arraigned Monday on a murder charge in connection with the death of Tiara Lott, who went missing in January 2021.

Prosecutors allege Andre C. Whigham intentionally caused Lott’s death by strangling her with his hands inside of an upstairs apartment on Gold Street in Buffalo. Authorities said the two were dating at the time.

Buffalo Police found Lott’s body along railroad tracks near Wex Avenue last February, about two weeks after her family reported her missing. She was 22.

Whigham, also known as “Dro,” was charged with murder in the second degree, a Class “A-I” felony that carries a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison if convicted. He was remanded without bail.

“Unfortunately it’ll never be able to bring back the life of Tiara Lott,” said Buffalo Deputy Police Commissioner Barbara Lark. “From what we know, she was a phenomenal young lady who did not deserve this. But our detectives who worked endless hours in this investigation to bring some relief to this family.”

“To bring justice to her family, and to bring justice to her friends to to bring justice to the entire community and city of Buffalo. That’s what we’re committed to and that’s what we’re committed to going forward,” said Erie County District Attorney John Flynn.

A reward of $7,500 had been offered for information on Whigham after he was named a person of interest in the case last June. A federal arrest warrant accused him of unlawfully fleeing to avoid prosecution.