Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that a 16-year-old male from Buffalo was sentenced this morning before Erie County Court Judge Kenneth Case to 12 years to life in prison.

On Tuesday, January 25, 2022, at approximately 2:38 p.m., the juvenile offender, while acting in concert with a co-defendant, unlawfully entered a home on the 200 block of Koons Avenue in the City of Buffalo through a window. Once inside of the home, the juvenile offender, who was 15-years-old at the time of the crime, intentionally shot two teenagers with an illegal “ghost gun.”

One victim, a 17-year-old female, died at the scene. Due to the age of the deceased, her name will not be released by our office. The second victim, a 19-year-old male, was taken to ECMC where he was treated for an injury to his arm. 

The juvenile offender pleaded guilty to one count of Murder in the Second Degree (Class “A-I” felony), the highest charge in the indictment, on October 11, 2022.

The co-defendant, 20-year-old Vincent Manirakiza of Buffalo, was indicted on one count of Murder in the Second Degree (Class “A-I” felony), under the theory of accomplice liability for his role in the homicide, and one count of Burglary in the First Degree (Class “B” violent felony).

If convicted of the highest charge, Manirakiza faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison. He continues to be held without bail. A return court date has not been scheduled at this time.

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

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Ryan D. Haggerty of the Homicide Unit and Assistant District Attorney Ryan M. Flaherty of the Felony Trials Bureau.

As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.