(WNY News Now) – Buffalo, NY — A 23-year-old Buffalo man pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including murder, on the eve of his trial for the fatal shooting of two men outside a home on East Utica Street last year.
James B. White, Jr., admitted guilt to one count of first-degree murder, two counts of second-degree murder, one count of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, and one count of second-degree gang assault. The plea, entered before Erie County Court Judge James Bargnesi, comes as jury selection for the trial was set to begin.
The charges stem from a January 2, 2024, incident where White shot and killed two victims during a confrontation on the porch of an East Utica Street residence. David Honer, 29, was pronounced dead at the scene, while John DeShon Gibson, 24, succumbed to his injuries at ECMC shortly after being transported by ambulance.
White, who used an illegal firearm in the shootings, was involved in the crime alongside co-defendants during a physical altercation with the victims. Following the shootings, the group fled the scene. White faces a maximum sentence of life in prison without parole and will be sentenced on March 5, 2025. He remains in custody without bail.
Several co-defendants have also pleaded guilty for their roles in the crime:
- Jaylin T. Scott, 21, pleaded guilty to gang assault in the second degree and faces up to 15 years in prison at his sentencing on January 27, 2025.
- Teffany Y. Nance, 43, mother of Jaylin Scott, admitted to attempted gang assault in the second degree and faces up to 7 years in prison. She is out on supervised release until sentencing on February 18, 2025.
- LaShawn C. Taylor, 25, of Tonawanda, also pleaded guilty to attempted gang assault in the second degree and faces up to 7 years in prison. He remains held without bail and will be sentenced on January 28, 2025.
The Erie County District Attorney’s Office commended Buffalo Police Detectives Joseph Ruggiero and Mark Constantino for their investigative work, which led to the swift resolution of the case.
Assistant District Attorneys Ryan M. Flaherty, Thomas J. Comfort, and Christopher S. Safulko handled the prosecution.
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