Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 31-year-old Jonathan Williams, also known as “Blaze,” of Buffalo was arraigned this morning before Erie County Court Judge Kenneth Case on an indictment charging him with one count of Murder in the Second Degree (Class “A-I” felony).

It is alleged that on May 16, 2021, at approximately 1:30 a.m., the defendant intentionally shot the victim multiple times outside of a tavern on Grimes Street in the City of Buffalo. The victim, 48-year-old Thomas Martin, died at the scene.

The next court date has not yet been scheduled. He was held without bail.

If convicted of the charge, Williams faces a maximum 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 Assistant District Attorney Ashley M. Morgan 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.