Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 22-year-old Jamya M. Beathley of Buffalo was sentenced this morning before State Supreme Court Justice M. William Boller to a determinate sentence of 4 ½ years in prison followed by 5 years of post-release supervision.

On February 28, 2021, at approximately 9:21 p.m., the defendant, while armed with a knife, pepper spray, and two rocks, attempted to unlawfully enter the victim’s home on Potomac Avenue in the City of Buffalo. The defendant and the victim, who are related, were involved in an ongoing dispute over money.

The defendant attacked and attempted to cause serious physical injuries to the victim inside the victim’s home, stabbing the victim five times in the left arm and once in the back of the head with a knife. The defendant fled after the attack.

The victim was treated by first responders before being transported to ECMC where she received numerous staples and sutures for the injuries to her head and arm.

Beathley pleaded guilty to one count of Attempted Burglary in the First Degree, one count of Attempted Assault in the First Degree (Class “C” violent felonies) and one count of Assault in the Second Degree (Class “D” violent felony) on May 6, 2022. The defendant pleaded guilty to charges a few days ahead of her scheduled jury trial.

Today, Justice Boller issued a final order of protection on behalf of the victim and another family member who was home during the attack, which remains in effect until April 2035.

DA Flynn commends the Buffalo Police Department for their work in the investigation as well as the Buffalo Fire Department and the AMR Medical Transportation emergency personnel for their quick actions to help the injured victim.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Hilarie L. Henry and Brendan W. Fitzgerald of the Felony Trials Bureau.