Teen Pleads Guilty in Ballston Lake Murder

Acting Saratoga County District Attorney Jennifer L. Buckley announced that Jaiden A. Ildefonso pled guilty in the Saratoga County Court to Murder in the Second Degree, a Class “A-1” Felony in violation of New York State Penal Law Section 125.25. 

The Defendant had been charged in connection with a fatal May 31, 2025, stabbing in suburban Ballston Lake. The 20-year-old victim, Simon Brault, had intervened in a physical altercation between his underage brother and another minor outside his home. During the group altercation, the Defendant quickly approached and stabbed Brault- piercing his aorta. The Defendant and other minor then fled the scene. 

Members of the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office and EMTs arrived almost immediately at Brault’ s home and rushed him to the Albany Medical Center where he later succumbed to his injuries. 

Investigators from the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office were able to track the Defendant’s vehicle nearly 50 miles away to Schoharie County. Thanks to their training and professionalism, they were able to quickly arrive in Schoharie County, gather invaluable physical and electronic evidence, as well as take the Defendant into custody without any further issue. 

The 18-year-old Defendant is scheduled to be sentenced on March 13, 2026, to 15 years to Life in State Prison. At the conclusion of his State Prison sentence, he will remain under Parole Supervision for the remainder of his natural life. The Defendant will also be given Full Stay Away Orders of Protection for the maximum period of time for surviving family members.

“Our son Simon was a beautiful person and everyone who knew him will tell you how nice and kind he was,” said the victim’s father, Bernard Brault. “This tragedy is senseless. We are relieved that Jaiden has admitted his role and that he is being held accountable. Nothing will bring Simon back, but we want to thank the Sheriff’s Department and District Attorney’s Office for bringing justice.”

The Brault Family has indicated that they have started a scholarship fund at the Hudson Valley Community College in memory of their son named the “Simon Brault Memorial Second Chance Scholarship.” 

The scholarship is meant to help students that have overcome hardship and need financial aid. More information concerning the scholarship may be found at the Hudson Valley Community College Foundation’s Web site. 

The case was prosecuted by General Felony Unit Bureau Chief Joseph A. Frandino, Assistant District Attorney Gabrielle Treiling, and District Attorney Investigator Timothy Sicko.