WNY News Now

(WNY News Now) – Buffalo – A 40-year-old Buffalo man received a 20-year prison sentence for the fatal shooting of Mario Saddler.

Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that 40-year-old Louis C. Goforth of Buffalo was sentenced on Friday morning before Erie County Court Judge Sheila A. DiTullio to 20 years in prison followed by 5 years of post-release supervision.

On Sunday, January 22, 2023, at approximately 4:30 a.m., the defendant shot the victim with an illegal gun on the 200 block of East Ferry Street. The victim, 39-year-old Mario Saddler, died at the scene.

Goforth pleaded guilty to one count of Manslaughter in the First Degree (Class “B” violent felony) on February 16, 2024. 

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

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Rebecca L. Schnirel of the Homicide Bureau and Chief Justin T. Wallens of the Narcotics/Intelligence Bureau.