Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 26-year-old Jose L. Crespo Garcia of Puerto Rico pleaded guilty this morning before State Supreme Court Justice Christopher J. Burns to one count of Manslaughter in the First Degree (Class “B” violent felony). The defendant pleaded guilty to the charge on the day jury selection was scheduled to begin in his upcoming trial.

On August 28, 2018, at approximately 11:30 p.m., the defendant intentionally shot 28-year-old John Shelton, Jr. following a dispute. The shooting occurred on North Lane near the Shaffer Village housing complex in the City of Buffalo. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

Crespo Garcia faces a maximum of 20 years in prison when he is sentenced on Tuesday, December 7, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. He continues to remain held without bail.  

DA Flynn commends the Buffalo Police Department Homicide Unit for their work in the investigation. Flynn also commends the U.S. Marshals who located and apprehended the defendant in Niagara Falls, N.Y.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Ryan D. Haggerty of the Homicide Bureau and Assistant District Attorney David M. Zak of the Felony Trials Bureau.