Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 39-year-old Louis C. Goforth of Buffalo was arraigned this afternoon before Erie County Court Judge Sheila A. DiTullio on one count of Murder in the Second Degree (Class “A-I” felony) and one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (Class “C” violent felony).
It is alleged that on Sunday, January 22, 2023, at approximately 4:30 a.m., the defendant intentionally shot the victim with an illegal gun on the 200 block of East Ferry Street. The victim, a 39-year-old Mario Saddler, died at the scene.
Goforth is scheduled to return on Thursday, May 18, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. for a pre-trial conference. He continues to be held without bail.
If convicted of the highest charge, Goforth faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison.
DA Flynn commends the Buffalo Police Department Homicide Squad for their work in this investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Rebecca L. Schnirel of the Homicide Unit.
As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
