Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 21-year-old Jeremiah Johnson of Town of Amherst was sentenced this morning before Erie County Court Judge Susan Eagan to 13 years in prison followed by 5 years of post-release supervision.

On July 26, 2021, at approximately 11:40 p.m., Johnson was driving a vehicle when his passenger intentionally fired a rifle at the victim who was walking along Fairgreen Avenue in the Town of Amherst. Johnson, who was charged under the theory of accomplice liability, provided the shooter with the rifle and drove away from the scene of the crime.

The victim, a 17-year-old male, was taken to ECMC where he underwent surgery for serious physical injuries. The victim suffered paralysis and continues to receive treatment for the injuries he sustained in the shooting.

Johnson and the adolescent offender, who was 17-years-old at the time of the shooting, pleaded guilty to one count of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree and one count of Assault in the First Degree (Class “B” violent felonies). Both defendants pleaded guilty, as charge, to all counts in the indictment against them.

The co-defendant, a 19-year-old male from Rochester, was also scheduled to be sentenced today, but the case was adjourned at the request of defense counsel. A new court date has not been scheduled at this time. 

DA Flynn commends the Amherst Police Department for their work in the investigation as well as the US Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force for locating the defendants.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Rebecca L. Schnirel of the Homicide Unit.