Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that an 19-year-old male from Rochester, New York pleaded guilty yesterday afternoon before Erie County Court Judge Susan Eagan to one count of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree and one count of Assault in the First Degree (Class “B” violent felonies). The adolescent offender pleaded guilty to all charges in the indictment against him.

On July 26, 2021, at approximately 11:40 p.m., the adolescent offender was the passenger of a vehicle, allegedly driven by a co-defendant, when they passed a teenager who was walking on Fairgreen Avenue in the Town of Amherst. The adolescent offender, who was 17-years-old at the time of the crime, attempted to cause the death of the victim by intentionally shooting him with a rifle while seated inside of the vehicle. His co-defendant, who was charged under the theory of accomplice liability, allegedly drove away from the scene.

The 17-year-old male victim 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 attack.

The adolescent offender faces a maximum of 25 years in prison when he is sentenced on Wednesday, December 7, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. He continues to be held without bail.

His co-defendant, Jeremiah Johnson, 20, of Amherst, was indicted on one count of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree and one count of Assault in the First Degree. His case remains pending. Johnson is scheduled to return on Friday, September 30, 2022 at 9:30 a.m. for motions.

DA Flynn commends the Amherst Police Department for their work in the investigation as well as the US Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force who located the defendant in the Rochester area.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Rebecca L. Schnirel of the Major Crimes Unit.

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