Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Flaherty, Jr. announces a jury has returned a guilty verdict in the Attempted Murder trial of 39-year-old Sandro Tirado of Buffalo before Erie County Court Judge Thomas P. Franczyk.

After the seven day trial, Tirado was convicted of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, Criminal Use of a Firearm in the First Degree, Assault in the First Degree, Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree.

On April 29, 2015, the defendant entered the home of 39-year-old Davina Vazquez and tried to shoot her boyfriend, but the gun did not fire.  

When Vazquez tried to defend her boyfriend, Tirado shot Vazquez in the right arm and then in the face. Vazquez’ four-year-old daughter watched the shooting. Vazquez survived the shooting, but still has a .22 caliber bullet lodged next to her spine. 

A few weeks earlier, Buffalo Narcotics Detectives raided the defendant’s room and found cocaine.  They also spotted Tirado throwing a .40 caliber pistol from the second floor window.

The defendant faces up to 40 years in prison when he is sentenced on 7/27/16 at 2 p.m. by Judge Franczyk. 

DA Flaherty commends Buffalo Police Homicide Detectives Daniel Redmond, Christopher Sterlace and Reginald Minor for their thorough investigation. 

Felony Trials Chief Paul J. Glascott and Assistant District Attorney Erin E. Hart prosecuted the case.