Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 38-year-old Peter Vegas of Buffalo has been sentenced by State Supreme Court Justice Deborah A. Haendiges to a determinate sentence of 17 years in prison.

On the evening of May 21, 2017, the defendant drove from his work at the Attica Correctional Facility to the home of his ex-girlfriend on Sage Street in the City of Buffalo. At approximately 11:23 p.m., the defendant parked his vehicle down the street, placed a knife on the front step and knocked on the victim’s front door. The two engaged in a conversation for a period of time before the victim shut the door and locked the deadbolt.

The defendant grabbed the knife from the step then proceeded to tear down the screen door and body slam the wood door, which caused the deadbolt to break. Once inside, the defendant stabbed the victim multiple times in the back of her neck. When she was able to break free, the victim ran outside of the house for help. The defendant ran from the home and drove off in his vehicle.

Neighbors heard the victim’s screams and called police. The victim identified the assailant as her ex-boyfriend. The defendant was apprehended at his home a short time later.

In October 2018, Vegas pleaded guilty to one count of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, a Class “B” violent felony, one count of Assault in the Second Degree, a Class “D” violent felony, and three counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child. The defendant pleaded guilty to the highest charge in the indictment against him.

“I am deeply disturbed to learn about the years of abuse the victim endured prior to this vicious, premeditated attack that could have ended her life,” said DA Flynn. “I commend the victim for her bravery. Also, I hope that the victim and her family are able to heal by knowing that this defendant will be spending the next 17 years behind bars.”

In addition to his sentence, the judge issued orders of protection for the victim and her three children that remain in effect until 2042.

DA Flynn commends the investigative work of Det. Tom McCarthy, Det. Frank King, Lt. James O’Donnell, Officer Garrett O’Neill, Officer Nicholas Herbert and Officer Adrian Evans of the Buffalo Police Department.

The case was prosecuted by Holly P. Tucker, Chief of the DA’s Domestic Violence Bureau.