(WNY News Now) – BUFFALO, NY — Raymond J. Torres, 36, pleaded guilty to one count of Manslaughter in the First Degree today in Erie County Court for the fatal shooting of 35-year-old Travis A. Martin on Buffalo’s Lower West Side.

Torres, who has no permanent address, entered the guilty plea before Erie County Court Judge James Bargnesi in full satisfaction of the indictment. He faces up to 25 years in prison when sentenced on May 12, 2025.

On the morning of Thursday, September 19, 2024, at around 4:22 a.m., Torres shot Martin with an illegal firearm near 7th and Jersey streets. Emergency responders transported Martin to Erie County Medical Center (ECMC), where he was later pronounced dead from his injuries.

Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane expressed his appreciation for the diligent work of the Buffalo Police Department detectives who investigated the case. Detectives Judy Walker and Adam Stephany were instrumental in gathering evidence that led to Torres’ conviction.

Assistant District Attorney Justin H. Caldwell, from the Homicide Bureau, handled the prosecution of the case.

Torres, who remains held without bail, will be sentenced on May 12.