Second Suspect Arraigned for Injuring Victim in Gang Assault at MLK Park

Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that a 16-year-old male from Buffalo was arraigned this morning before Youth Part Judge Brenda Freedman on one count of Gang Assault in the First Degree (Class "B" violent felony).

It is alleged that on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at approximately 2:55 p.m., the adolescent offender, while being intentionally aided by other individuals, caused serious physical injuries to the victim at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park near North Parade Avenue in the City of Buffalo. The victim was repeatedly punched and kicked by multiple suspects during the attack. The unconscious victim, a 15-year-old male, was taken by ambulance to Oishei Children's Hospital where he was hospitalized for several days to receive treatment for serious physical injuries.

The adolescent offender was initially arraigned late Friday afternoon before Buffalo City Court Judge Rebecca Town. He was held without bail pending his first appearance in the Youth Part of Superior Court.

The adolescent offender is scheduled to return on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. for a felony hearing. He was remanded to the custody of the Erie County Youth Services Center. A temporary order of protection was issued on behalf of the victim.

Acting DA Keane commends the Buffalo Police Department for their work in this ongoing investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Chief Noha A. Elnakib and Assistant District Attorney Nicholas Marino of the Raise the Age/Motor Vehicle Theft Insurance Fraud Unit.

As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.