Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 33-year-old Jahond Taylor, also known as Jahaan Taylor, Johond Taylor and Jahond Tay, 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) and one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (Class “C” violent felony).

It is alleged that on April 23, 2020, at approximately 10:35 a.m., the defendant approached a vehicle as the driver was backing out of a driveway on Langmeyer Avenue in the City of Buffalo. The defendant is accused of intentionally shooting the driver multiple times with an illegal gun. The victim attempted to drive away from the attack, but crashed the vehicle into a nearby light pole. The victim, 22-year-old Andr’a C. Austin, died at the scene.

It is further alleged that on April 23, 2020, at approximately 9:09 p.m., the defendant was driving a vehicle on East Ferry Street and Jefferson Avenue when he was stopped by a Buffalo Police officer after he failed to signal before turning into a gas station. Upon being questioned by police, the defendant allegedly admitted to being in possession of marijuana and handed a vial of marijuana to the officer, which prompted a search of the vehicle. Officers allegedly found an unloaded illegal pistol, magazines and ammunition inside of a bag located underneath the driver’s seat of vehicle. The gun was submitted into evidence. Taylor was initial arraigned in Buffalo City Court on the gun charge and held without bail.

Today, Judge Case ordered that the defendant continue to remain held without bail. A return court date has not been scheduled at this time.

If convicted of all charges, Taylor faces a maximum of 25 years to life in prison.

DA Flynn commends Officers Timothy Perrot, Daniel Dustin and Sean Mulhern and the members of the Buffalo Police Department Homicide Squad for their work in this investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Chief John Gerken, Jr. of the Narcotics Bureau.

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