(WNY News Now) – BUFFALO, NY — Michael A. Barnes, 37, of Buffalo, pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter for a fatal shooting in the University Heights neighborhood. The plea, entered yesterday before Erie County Court Judge Sheila A. DiTullio, comes ahead of Barnes’ scheduled jury trial next week.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, September 12, 2023, on the 3100 block of Main Street near Winspear Avenue. Barnes admitted to using an illegal firearm to shoot 28-year-old Thomas Davis multiple times. Davis succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Barnes now faces a potential sentence of up to 25 years in prison. His sentencing is scheduled for Thursday, February 6, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. He remains in custody without bail.
Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane commended the Buffalo Police Department’s Homicide Squad, including Detectives Jerry Guilian, Erin McCarthy, and Judith Walker, for their diligent work in solving the case. The prosecution was led by Assistant District Attorneys Hilarie L. Henry and John G. Schoemick from the Special Victims/Domestic Violence Bureau and Major Crimes Bureau, respectively.
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