Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 20-year-old Mikel Ayala of Buffalo pleaded guilty this morning before Erie County Court Judge James Bargnesi to one count of Murder in the Second Degree (Class “A-I” felony). The defendant pleaded guilty to the only count in the indictment against him.

On Saturday, May 15, 2021, at approximately 9:44 a.m., the defendant was involved in the attack on 35-year-old Tomas Sanchez who was stabbed multiple times during an argument inside of a home on the 200 block of Ashley Street in the City of Buffalo. The victim was taken to ECMC where he died from his injuries.

Ayala faces a maximum of 25 years to life when he is sentenced on Tuesday, April 5, 2022 at 9:30 a.m. He continues to remain held without bail.

The case against his co-defendant, 21-year-old Troy K. Holman of Buffalo, remains pending. Holman is scheduled to return on Tuesday, March 1, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. for a pre-trial hearing. He also remains held without bail.

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

The case is being prosecuted by Chief Gary W. Hackbush and Assistant District Attorney Ashley M. Morgan of the Homicide Bureau.