Rensselaer Mourns the Death of 32‑Year‑Old Brent A. Reed; Coeymans Man Arrested in Fatal Stabbing

Rensselaer Mourns the Death of 32‑Year‑Old Brent A. Reed; Coeymans Man Arrested in Fatal Stabbing

Rensselaer, NY — September 21, 2025

The city of Rensselaer is reeling after the fatal stabbing of Brent A. Reed, 32, in a midnight incident that ended his life and led to an arrest. Authorities, including the Rensselaer Police Department and the New York State Police, are investigating the matter. A Coeymans resident has been charged in connection with Reed’s death, leaving family and community members shocked and seeking answers.

The Incident

• The fatal incident took place just after midnight Sunday at a residence on John Street, between 2nd and 3rd Streets in Rensselaer.

• Brent A. Reed was discovered with a stab wound to his upper chest and lower neck

• He was transported to Albany Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

Arrest & Charges

• The person arrested in connection with the crime is Michael A. Bermudez‑Gagnon, 34, of Coeymans.

• Bermudez‑Gagnon has been charged with second‑degree murder in relation to Reed’s death.He appeared in Rensselaer City Court and pleaded not guilty to the charge.

• He is being held without bail at the Rensselaer County Jail.

Investigation & Community Safety

• Officials have said this appears to be an isolated incident, noting there is no ongoing threat to the public.

• Multiple law enforcement agencies are aiding in the case, including the New York State Police, Watervliet, North Greenbush, and the Rensselaer County District Attorney’s office.

• Investigators are working to understand the sequence of events, motive, and whether any witnesses or video surveillance may shed light on how the altercation that led to the stabbing transpired.

Remembering Brent A. Reed

• In the wake of his death, Reed’s family, friends, and neighbors have expressed deep sorrow, recalling him as a person of “loyalty, integrity, grit, and strong character.”

• One of his relatives, his uncle, shared that Reed “lived an authentic life” and deeply cherished relationships with those close to him.

• His passing has stirred grief across the close‑knit Rensselaer community, where homicides are relatively rare.

Legal Process & Next Steps

• Bermudez‑Gagnon is expected to return to court on September 26 in Rensselaer City Court.

• Authorities will continue gathering evidence, including forensic information, witness statements, and possibly surveillance video.

• As of now, no motive has been publicly disclosed. Community members are being asked to come forward with any information that may assist the investigation.

Public Response and Safety Assurance

• Police Chief Warren Famiglietti has emphasized that there appears to be no danger to the public following the arrest.

• The community is rallying around Reed’s family, offering support in their grief and raising concerns about violence and how to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

In Closing

The death of Brent A. Reed at such a young age, under violent circumstances, has left a community seeking answers and healing. While the arrest of Michael Bermudez‑Gagnon provides some measure of action by law enforcement, many questions remain. As the judicial process moves forward, those who knew Reed are honoring him as a man of principle, and the community continues to mourn and support his family during this devastating time.