Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 30-year-old Abouycea D. Thornton of Buffalo was arraigned this morning before Buffalo City Court Judge Andrew C. LoTempio on one count of Murder in the Second Degree (Class “A-I” felony) and one count of Assault in the Second Degree (Class “D” felony).

It is alleged that on Saturday, September 17, 2022, at approximately 11:30 p.m., Buffalo Police responded to a reported fight on the 400 block of Berkshire Avenue near Bailey Avenue. The defendant is accused of assaulting his ex-girlfriend and her new boyfriend while armed with a metal pipe. Both victims were taken by ambulance to ECMC. One victim, a 29-year-old male from Buffalo, died from his injuries at the hospital. The female victim was treated for injuries to her arm and released.

Thornton is scheduled to return on Friday, September 23, 2022 at 9:30 a.m. a felony hearing. He was held without bail.  

If convicted of the highest charge, Thornton faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison.  

DA Flynn commends the Buffalo Police Department Homicide Squad for their work in this investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Chief Gary W. Hackbush of the Homicide Unit.

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