Driver Sentenced for Fatal Hit-and-Run in Buffalo's Black Rock Neighborhood

Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that Benjamin J. Medley, 62, of Buffalo, was sentenced this morning before State Supreme Court Justice Betty Calvo-Torres. Medley received an indeterminate sentence of 1 1/3 to 4 years in prison. Additionally, his New York State driver's license was revoked for one year.

On Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at approximately 7:40 p.m., the defendant was driving north on Grant Street in the City of Buffalo when he hit a pedestrian who was crossing at the intersection of Amherst Street. The defendant drove away from the scene without notifying police. The victim, 66-year-old Richard T. Gould, was taken by ambulance to ECMC where he was pronounced deceased.

Medley pleaded guilty to count of Leaving the Scene of an Incident Resulting in Death (Class D felony under New York State Vehicle & Traffic Law). The defendant pleaded guilty to the sole count of the indictment and highest sustainable charge.

DA Keane commends Officer Jenna Capizzi, Officer Mark Andrzejak and Officer Jason Heidinger of the Buffalo Police Department Accident Investigation Unit as well as the Buffalo Fire Department for their work in this investigation.

The case was prosecuted by Chief Patrick B. Shanahan and Assistant District Attorney Mitchell T. Schoellkopf of the Vehicular Crimes Bureau as well as Assistant Chief Denise A. Herman of the Felony Trials Bureau.