Modified: April 23, 2014 9:54am
Erie County District Attorney Frank A. Sedita, III announces that 15year-old Myles Taylor was convicted as charged of Murder in the 2nd Degree and Criminal Weapon of a 2nd Degree after a week-long jury trial before Senior Erie County Court Judge Michael D’Amico. These are the highest charges for which Taylor could have been convicted.
On July 6, 2013, Taylor fatally shot 16 year-old Kelmayne Jones in the back after a fistfight against one of Taylor’s friends. Jones fled, discarded the murder weapon and unsuccessfully recruited one of his other friends to destroy evidence.
This is the fourth murder conviction obtained by the Erie County District Attorney’s Office within the past month alone.
On February 28, 2013, Sean Austin and Maurice Howie were convicted of robbing area cabdrivers and food delivery drivers at gunpoint, as well as Murder in the 2nd Degree, in connection with the fatal shooting of Buffalo cabdriver Mazon Abdallah. The case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Christopher J. Belling and Paul Parisi (both of whom are assigned to DA Sedita’s Tactical Prosecution Unit).
On March 14, 2013, Darshawm Morris was convicted of Murder in the 2nd Degree in connection with the rape, fatal stabbing, and attempted dismemberment of Lanasha Rollerson. The case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney James Bargnesi (who is assigned to DA Sedita’s Homicide Bureau) and Assistant District Attorney Patrick Shanahan (who is assigned to DA Sedita’s Felony Trial Bureau).
Because he is a juvenile, Taylor faces a maximum of 15 years-to-life behind bars when he is sentenced by Judge D’Amico on April 28, 2014 at 9:30 AM.
The case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Colleen Curtin Gable (who is assigned to DA Sedita’s Homicide Bureau) and Assistant District Attorney Jahar Pridgen (who is assigned to DA Sedita’s Felony Trial Bureau). DA Sedita stated: “Because of the diligent efforts of the Buffalo Police Department Homicide Squad and the dedication and professionalism of the foregoing prosecutors, four murderers have been brought to justice.”