ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Monroe County District Attorney's Office says a man was convicted on Thursday for a murder in which the victim was fatally shot in Rochester but the dismembered body was found in Syracuse.

Sandra Doorley's office says Aries Ash was found guilty of second-degree murder, first-degree manslaughter, first-degree robbery, second-degree kidnapping and three counts of criminal possession of a weapon, among other charges.

Ash shot and killed Maximillian Cook after a disagreement in March 2019. Prosecutors say he then dismembered the victim, burning part of the body.

The rest of Cook's remains were found in an abandoned home in Syracuse, authorities say. A few days later, police say Ash led officers on a multi-county chase, ending in a crash on Clifford Avenue in Rochester.

“After two years since Maximillion’s murder, I am relieved that his family can finally find justice in this violent and tragic death,” said Special Assistant District Attorney Julie Hahn. “Aries Ash went to great lengths to cover his tracks after killing Maximillion. He had no regard for Mr. Cook’s life or his remains. This conviction is also a comfort to the kidnapping victim, whose bravery helped secure today’s important verdict.” 

“The murder of Maximillion Cook by Aries Ash and the actions that followed were completely horrendous,” said District Attorney Sandra Doorley. “His violent crimes spanned across various counties during a three-day period. Aries Ash did not care about the law, the community or the value of human life. We are pleased that the defendant was found guilty of his crimes and hope that Mr. Cook’s family can finally seek closure in this heartbreaking tragedy.”

Ash will be sentenced on July 28.