Defendant Pleads Guilty Ahead of Trial to All Charges for Two Separate Crimes Committed on the Same Day

Modified: November 9, 2022 2:26pm

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11/9/2022

Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 20-year-old Jason L. Washington, Jr. of Buffalo pleaded guilty this morning before Acting Erie County Court Judge Andrew C. LoTempio to one count of Attempted Burglary in the First Degree, two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (Class “C” violent felonies) and one count of Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree (Class “D” felony). The defendant pleaded guilty to all charges in the indictment against him ahead of a jury trial that was scheduled to begin next week.  

On October 1, 2019, at approximately 11:30 a.m., the defendant recklessly engaged in conduct that created a grave risk of death to another person by firing multiple shots from an illegal gun at an occupied home on Ruspin Avenue in the City of Buffalo. No one was injured during the crime, but the house was damaged by gunfire.

Later the same day, at approximately 7:00 p.m., the defendant approached the male victim who was standing outside of a home on LaSalle Avenue. The defendant, with the intent to commit a burglary, pointed a gun at the victim and attempted to coerce the victim into the house. As they approached the front door, the victim grabbed a chair from the front porch and hit the defendant, which resulted in a physical altercation. During the scuffle, the defendant subsequently shot himself in the hand with the illegal gun before running from the scene.

Washington faces a maximum of 30 years in prison when he is sentenced a second felony offender on Friday, January 13, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. He continues to be held without bail.

DA Flynn commends the Buffalo Police Department for their work in this investigation, including retired Det. Sgt. William Cooley and retired Det. Jason Mayhook.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Nicholas C. Bussi and Chief Justin T. Wallens of the Felony Trial Bureau. Assistant District Attorney Eugene T. Partridge, III of the Homicide Bureau also assisted in the investigation and prosecution of this case.