Suspected Gunman Arraigned on Murder Charge For Fatally Shooting Victim on City's Lower West Side

Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that Raymond J. Torres, 35, of no permanent address was arraigned this morning before Buffalo City Court JudgeCarrie A. Phillips on one count of Murder in the Second Degree (Class "A-I" felony).

It is alleged that on Thursday, September 19, 2024, at approximately 4:20 a.m., Buffalo Police officers responded to the area of Jersey and 7th streets for a reported shooting. The victim, a 35-year-old male, was taken by ambulance to ECMC where he was pronounced deceased. The defendant is accused of shooting the victim with the intent to cause his death.

Torres is scheduled to return on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. for a felony hearing. He was held without bail.

If convicted of the charge, Torres faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison.

Acting DA Keane commends the Buffalo Police Department Homicide Squad and Gun Violence Unit for their work in this investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Chief Gary W. Hackbush and Assistant District Attorney Justin H. Caldwell of the Homicide Bureau.

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