Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 32-year-old Jonathan Williams, also known as “Blaze,” of Buffalo pleaded guilty this morning before Erie County Court Judge Sheila A. DiTullio to one count of Manslaughter in the First Degree (Class “B” violent felony).

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.

Williams faces a maximum of 25 years in prison when he is sentenced on Thursday, July 7, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. He continues to remain held without bail.

DA Flynn commends Detectives Ray Krug and Chris Plizska of 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.