Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 27-year-old Victor M. Cramer-Williams, also known as “Bookie,” of Buffalo was arraigned this morning before Erie County Court Judge James Bargnesi on an indictment charging him with one count of Murder in the Second Degree (Class “A-I” felony), one count of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree (Class “B” violent felony) and one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (Class “C” violent felony).

It is alleged that on January 25, 2022, at approximately 11:00 p.m., the defendant intentionally fired multiple shots from an illegal gun toward a male victim inside of an apartment on the 200 block of Auburn Avenue in the City of Buffalo. Another person was subsequently injured by gunfire. The defendant allegedly fled the apartment immediately after the shooting.

Both victims were taken by ambulance to ECMC. The 47-year-old male victim was treated for his injuries. The female victim, 37-year-old Erica M. Ralston of Buffalo, died from her injuries on February 8, 2022.

The defendant was located by the Buffalo Police Department, U.S. Marshals Violent Fugitive Task Force and FBI Safe Streets Task Force at a residence on West Utica Street on April 14, 2022. The defendant allegedly jumped out of window and onto a garage roof in attempt to evade arrest. While running from police, the defendant allegedly threw a black bag on Brayton Street. During the brief chase, the defendant allegedly refused numerous commands to stop and fought with officers while being placed under arrest. The defendant was subsequently tased by a Buffalo Police officer and taken into custody. Investigators recovered the bag and found an operable, illegal pistol inside.

Cramer-Williams is scheduled to return on Wednesday, September 21, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. for a pre-trial conference. The defendant, who also has pending criminal charges in Niagara County, was remanded without bail.

If convicted of the highest charge, Cramer-Williams faces a maximum of 25 years to life in prison.

DA Flynn commends the U.S. Marshals Service, FBI Safe Streets Task Force and the Buffalo Police Department for their work in the investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Ryan D. Haggerty of the Homicide Bureau.

As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.