Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 29-year-old Jose A. Castillo of Buffalo pleaded guilty yesterday morning before Erie County Court Judge Sheila A. DiTullio to one count of Attempted Assault in the First Degree, one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (Class “C” violent felonies) and one count of Assault in the Second Degree (Class “D” violent felony).

On Thursday, July 8, 2021, at approximately 2:00 a.m., the defendant fired multiple shots from an illegal handgun at two men. The victims were walking on eastbound on Allen Street near Irving Place in the City of Buffalo. After the shooting, the defendant rode away from the scene on a bicycle.

Both victims were transported by ambulance to ECMC. One victim suffered multiple serious physical injuries. The other victim was treated and released for his injuries.  

Investigators found the defendant in possession of an illegal gun when he was arrested at an apartment on Schiller Street on July 15, 2021.

Castillo faces a maximum of 15 years in prison when he is sentenced as a second violent felony offender on Friday, August 12, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. He continues to remain held without bail.

DA Flynn commends the Buffalo Police Department Gun Violence and Intelligence Units as well as the U.S. Marshals Service for their work in the investigation.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Christopher S. Safulko of the Major Crimes Unit.