Six Nations man and partner killed in Buffalo, shocking 2SLGBTQ+ groups and Ontario friends and family

A tragic double homicide in Buffalo, N.Y., has left the arts and 2SLGBTQ+ community mourning the loss of Jordan Celotto, a talented artist from Six Nations of the Grand River. The 37-year-old man, along with his partner, Michael (Mickey) Harmon, 40, were found dead in their Allentown residence on Tuesday afternoon. Their deaths were confirmed to be caused by blunt force trauma.

Buffalo’s acting mayor, Christopher Scanlon, addressed the media on Wednesday, revealing that the couple’s friend discovered the gruesome scene after one of the victims failed to show up for work. The friend saw someone with a knife and immediately called 911. Police arrived at the scene to find a man who had cut himself before dropping the weapon. The 35-year-old suspect is currently being held in the hospital as a person of interest in the case.

While there is no indication that the incident was a hate crime, authorities are investigating all leads. The community has come together to remember Celotto as an amazing artist and a loving individual who had a deep connection to his Indigenous heritage. Sophia Mafaje, Celotto’s close friend, described him as one of the best people she knew, always willing to help others and support his community.

Celotto’s family friend, Heather La Forme, set up a GoFundMe page to assist with the unexpected costs of bringing him home to Six Nations. The outpouring of love and support has been overwhelming, with donations pouring in to honor Celotto’s memory. Harmon, who was American, will be buried in Buffalo, according to a separate fundraiser organized for him.

Tributes from the 2SLGBTQ+ and arts communities have flooded social media, celebrating Celotto and Harmon’s impact on Buffalo’s queer community. Pride Center of Western New York expressed their condolences, acknowledging the couple as innovators, community organizers, and friends. The Buffalo-Niagara LGBTQ History Project mourned the loss of Harmon, highlighting the profound effect he had on the community.

As the investigation into the double homicide continues, the legacy of Jordan Celotto and Mickey Harmon lives on through the love and support of those who knew them. Their contributions to the arts and the 2SLGBTQ+ community will not be forgotten, and their presence will be deeply missed.