(WNY News Now) – Buffalo, NY — In a shocking incident that has drawn public attention, five individuals were indicted for their alleged involvement in the kidnapping and torture of a victim in an attempt to extort ransom. The arraignment took place yesterday before State Supreme Court Justice Paul B. Wojtaszek.
Photo By Erie County DA’s Office
Photo By Erie County DA’s Office
Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announced that the defendants—Daquel L. Braxton, 25, Savannah R. Brosius, 20, Dontavia N. McMorris, 21, Jeremiah I. Martin, 26, and Raymone A. Wilson, 20—face multiple serious charges, including first-degree kidnapping, assault, and robbery.
The alleged crimes took place on October 2, 2024, when the defendants reportedly abducted the victim with the intent of forcing a third party to pay a ransom. According to prosecutors, the group, known to the victim, forced him into an apartment located on the 500 block of Virginia Street in Buffalo. Once inside, they allegedly held him against his will, subjecting him to hours of assault and torture while also robbing him of personal belongings, including his cell phone, backpack, wallet, and debit card.
The Buffalo Police Department began its investigation following a report from a relative of the victim that evening. Upon locating the victim, emergency services transported him to Erie County Medical Center (ECMC) for treatment of serious injuries resulting from the torture, which included burns, bruises, and lacerations.
During the arraignment, the prosecution requested that all defendants be held without bail, emphasizing the severity of the charges. Braxton, Martin, and Wilson were held on $80,000 cash or bond, with pre-trial conferences scheduled for October 31 and November 12, 2024, respectively. Brosius and McMorris were held on $50,000 bail and are set to return for their pre-trial hearing on the same date.
In response to the alarming nature of the case, temporary orders of protection were issued for both the victim and a family member.
If convicted of the most serious charges, the defendants face a potential maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison.
Acting DA Keane praised the efforts of the Buffalo Police Department, specifically commending Lt. Jonathan Pietrzak, Detective Victoria Siracuse, and Detective Marlin Hall for their diligent work on the case.
As with all individuals accused of crimes, the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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