Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 26-year-old Marcel Brooks of Buffalo has pleaded guilty before State Supreme Court Justice M. William Boller to one count of Assault in the First Degree for causing severe injuries to a toddler. 

On October 5, 2016 in the Town of Tonawanda, the defendant, while caring for his girlfriend’s 22-month old nephew, shook the child. The victim was unresponsive when he was brought to the hospital hours later. The boy was severely injured and while his condition has improved, he is not expected to make a full recovery. 

Brooks is expected to receive 15 years in jail when he is sentenced on July 28, 2017 at 9:30 a.m. by Justice Boller. 

DA Flynn commends Lt. William Krier and Detectives Timothy Connolly and William Smith of the Town of Tonawanda Police Department and Sr. Inv. Kevin Kendall, Violent Felony Warrant Squad NYSP, for their professionalism and vigilance in apprehending the defendant and bringing him to justice. 

Chief Rosanne E. Johnson of the DA’s Special Victims Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Anthony M. Rossi prosecuted the case.