Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that a jury found 57-year-old Christopher Hinson of Buffalo guilty of one count of Assault in the First Degree (Class “B” violent felony). Jurors rendered their decision on Friday afternoon after less than two hours of deliberation following a 5-day trial, convicting the defendant of the only count in the indictment against him.

The defendant and the victim were neighbors who lived in separate apartments inside of a multi-family residence on Lark Street in the City of Buffalo. On March 25, 2020, the defendant and the victim were involved in an argument in the basement of their shared residence. During the dispute, the defendant, with the intent to cause serious physical injury, stabbed the victim in the left side of his body with a knife. The defendant continued to try to stab the victim as he attempted to flee the attack. The victim was able to escape into his own apartment and called 911 for help.

The victim was transported by ambulance to ECMC where he underwent emergency surgery and remained hospitalized for four days. The victim, who underwent an additional surgery, continues to recover from the injuries.

Hinson faces a maximum of 25 years in prison when he is sentenced before State Supreme Court Justice Debra Givens on Tuesday, February 14, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. He was held without bail pending sentence.

A temporary order of protection, issued on behalf of the victim and his girlfriend, remains in effect.

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

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Briana R. D. Miller and Assistant District Attorney Stanislaw Makowski of the Felony Trials Bureau.