Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 36-year-old Michael A. Barnes of Buffalo was arraigned this morning before Buffalo City Court Judge Andrew C. LoTempio 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 September 12, 2023, at approximately 1:51 a.m., the defendant intentionally shot the victim multiple times with an illegal gun on the 3100 block of Main Street near Winspear Avenue in the City of Buffalo. The victim, a 28-year-old male, died at the scene.
Barnes is scheduled to return on Monday, September 25, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. for a felony hearing. He was held without bail.
If convicted of the highest count, Barnes faces a maximum of 25 years to life in prison.
DA Flynn commends Detectives Gerry Guilian, Erin McCarthy, Judith Walker of the Buffalo Police Department Homicide Squad for their work in this investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Chief Gary W. Hackbush 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.
