Accused Drunk Driver Indicted for Killing Pedestrian

Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that Danielle D. Davis, 24, of Buffalo, was arraigned this morning before Erie County Court Judge Susan Eagan on an indictment charging her with one count of Vehicular Manslaughter in the First Degree (Class C felony) and one count of Vehicular Manslaughter in the Second Degree (Class D felony).

It is alleged that on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at approximately 2:45 a.m., Buffalo Police officers responded to a crash involving a vehicle and a pedestrian on Broadway near Wick Street. The defendant was allegedly operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol when she hit a pedestrian. The victim, 31-year-old Carlos Alex Rodriguez, was taken by ambulance to ECMC where he was pronounced dead.

Davis is scheduled to return on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. for a pre-trial conference. Our prosecutor requested that the defendant be held without bail. Davis, who previously posted bail set at $100,000 cash or bond, continues to be released under supervision. Her New York State driver's license remains suspended.

If convicted of the highest charge, Davis faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.

DA Keane commends Officer Dileon Campbell, Officer Craig Stevens, Officer Mark Andrzejak, Officer Andrea James and members of the Buffalo Police Department Accident Investigation Unit for their work in this investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Mitchell T. Schoellkopf of the Vehicular Crimes Bureau.

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