A 19-year-old Jamestown resident faces serious charges following a grand jury indictment related to a May shooting incident.
(WNY News Now) – JAMESTOWN, N.Y. — District Attorney Jason Schmidt and the Jamestown Police Department today announced that a sealed grand jury indictment has been unsealed, charging 19-year-old Marquan Cunningham-Carper of Jamestown in connection with a May 8, 2025, shooting in the city.
Cunningham-Carper has been indicted on one count of Assault in the First Degree and two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree. He appeared in Chautauqua County Court on July 1 and entered a plea of not guilty to all charges. County Court Judge David W. Foley set bail at $1 million cash, or alternatively, a $2 million property bond or $2 million partially secured bond with 10% posted.
The charges stem from a shooting incident in which a young man was struck in the back while walking home from a nearby store. Prosecutors described the shooting as “indiscriminate” and emphasized its impact on the broader community.
District Attorney Schmidt stated, “Every single shooting incident and illegal possession and use of a gun in our community hurts us all. This instance – the indiscriminate shooting in the backside of a young man who was merely walking home after shopping at a nearby store – says it all about where we stand as a community and the police’s ongoing fight, in which they are outgunned and outnumbered, to keep us safe and rid our streets of violent offenders. Today’s unsealing of the indictment against Mr. Cunningham-Carper is just the first step in the litigation which lies ahead for us.”
Authorities said the Jamestown Police Department and the DA’s Office worked jointly and quickly to collect evidence after the initial 9-1-1 call was received. Due to the serious nature of the crimes and ongoing safety concerns, the case was presented to the Chautauqua County Grand Jury, resulting in the secret indictment.
Schmidt confirmed that the investigation remains active and encouraged anyone with information to contact his office or the Jamestown Police Department.
Cunningham-Carper is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted of all charges, he could face up to 25 years in prison, followed by five years of post-release supervision.
A court conference is scheduled for July 21, 2025, as the case moves into discovery and pre-trial motions.
Anyone with information regarding the May 8 shooting is urged to contact Jamestown Police or the District Attorney’s Office.
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