Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Flaherty, Jr. announces that 28-year-old Deshawn Harris of 26 Preston Road, Cheektowaga has been sentenced to 25 years to life in prison by State Supreme Court Justice Christopher Burns.

On May 2, 2016, a jury found Harris guilty of Murder in the Second Degree.

On December 28, 2014 on E. North and Jefferson in Buffalo, Harris fatally shot 28 year-old Denell Baker of 47 Cambridge Avenue, Buffalo in a vehicle operated by 27-year old Jordan Hicks of Buffalo.  After the shooting, Hicks drove Harris away from the scene with the victim’s body still inside the vehicle before dumping it on Peach Street.

Hicks pleaded guilty to Hindering Prosecution in the First Degree and Criminal Possession of the Weapon in the Second Degree.  Hicks will be sentenced June 1, 2016 at 9:30 a.m. by Justice Burns and faces a maximum prison sentence of up to 22 years.

Acting DA Flaherty commends Buffalo Police Department Homicide Detectives Scott Malec and Tim Salamone for their thorough investigation.

Assistant District Attorney Michael D. Smith prosecuted the case.