Gunman Sentenced for Fatally Shooting Teen in City's University District

Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that Terrance Johnson, 22, of Buffalo was sentenced this morning before Erie County Court Judge Suzanne Maxwell Barnes to 20 years to life in prison.

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.

In September 2024, Johnson pleaded guilty 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). A reduced plea was not offered and the defendant pleaded guilty to all counts in the indictment.

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

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Justin H. Caldwell of the Homicide Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Megan A. Connelly of the Felony Trials Bureau.