Gunman Pleads Guilty to Indictment for Fatally Shooting Victim on New Year's Day

Friday, September 13, 2024

Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that Terrance Johnson, 22, of Buffalo pleaded guilty on Wednesday afternoon before Erie County Court Judge Suzanne Maxwell Barnes to one count of Murder in the Second Degree (Class "A-I" felony), one count of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree (Class "B" violent felony) and one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (Class "C" violent felony). The defendant pleaded guilty, as charged, to all counts in the indictment ahead of a jury trial, which was scheduled to begin next month.

On Monday, January 1, 2024, at approximately 3:23 a.m., the defendant intentionally fired shots toward two victims with an illegal gun at the intersection of Main and Merrimac streets in the City of Buffalo. One victim, 18-year-old Rashaad Brown, was taken by ambulance to ECMC where he later died. The other victim was not injured in the shooting.

Johnson faces a maximum of 25 years to life in prison when he is sentenced on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. He remains held without bail.

Acting DA Keane commends Detectives Christopher Sterlace and Joseph Ruggerio of the Buffalo Police Department for their work in this investigation.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Justin H. Caldwell and Rebecca L. Schnirel of the Homicide Bureau.