First Assistant District Attorney Michael J. Flaherty, Jr. announces that 29 year-old James R. Thomas, Jr., of Buffalo was convicted as charged, following a 5-day jury trial of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, Assault in the First Degree, and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree before Erie County Court Judge Sheila A. DiTullio.

On September 1, 2013, the defendant shot an acquaintance three times, including once in the face, stating, “now it's time to die” while behind an abandoned house on Brunswick Boulevard in the City of Buffalo, Despite being gravely injured and left for dead, the victim was able to call 911 and report to the dispatcher that he had been shot by “JT”.  The victim spent the next 2 ½ months in the hospital recovering from his injuries, including 5 weeks in a medically-induced coma.

In early February 2015, nearly 18 months after the shooting and following an intensive investigation by Buffalo Police Detective Erin McCarthy, Thomas was finally apprehended.  "Thanks to the hard work of Detective McCarthy and her colleagues", Flaherty added, "this violent crime resulted in an arrest and conviction."

Thomas faces a maximum term of 25 years in state prison when sentenced by Judge DiTullio on February 2, 2016 at 9:30 a.m. The case was successfully prosecuted by Senior Trial Counsel, Christopher J. Belling, and Assistant District Attorney Michael D. Smith, who is assigned to the Erie County District Attorney’s Felony Trial Bureau.