Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 23-year-old Franklin Andrews of Buffalo was arraigned yesterday afternoon before Erie County Court Judge Susan Eagan on an indictment charging him with one count of Manslaughter in the Second Degree (Class “C” felony) and one count of Criminal Possession of a Firearm (Class “E” felony).

It is alleged that on Friday, June 18, 2021, at approximately 11:15 a.m., the defendant recklessly caused the death of 22-year-old Tyler Wasinger by shooting the victim in the chest with an illegal pistol. The incident occurred inside the defendant’s apartment on Hobart Street in the City of Buffalo. The victim died at the scene.

Andrews is scheduled to return on Monday, November 8, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. for a pre-trial conference. He remains released on $100,000 bail previously posted in Buffalo City Court.

If convicted of the charge, Andrews faces a maximum of 15 years in prison.     

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

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Matthew S. Szalkowski of the Major Crimes Unit.

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