Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 21-year-old Clarence E. Thomas of Buffalo was arraigned yesterday morning before State Supreme Court Justice Debra Givens on an indictment charging him with one count of Murder in the First Degree, two counts of Murder in the Second Degree (Class “A-I” felonies), three counts of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree (Class “B” violent felonies), one count of Assault in the Second Degree (Class “D” felony), one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (Class “C” violent felony) and one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree (Class “D” felony).
It is alleged that on Sunday, July 30, 2023, at approximately 11:30 p.m., the defendant intentionally fired multiple shots into an occupied vehicle on the 100 block of Isabelle Street in the City of Buffalo. Five people were inside of the vehicle at the time of the shooting. Three of the victims, who were injured by gunfire, were taken by ambulance to ECMC. One victim, 20-year-old Treyvon Flood, was pronounced dead at the hospital. The second victim, 20-year-old DeMarkus Manners, died from the injuries four days later. The third victim, a 19-year-old male, was hospitalized with three gunshot wounds to his upper back.
Thomas is scheduled to return on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. for a pre-trial conference before State Supreme Court Justice M. William Boller. He continues to be held without bail.
If convicted of the highest count, Thomas faces a maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.
DA Flynn commends the Buffalo Police Department Homicide Unit for their work in this investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Chief John P. Feroleto of the Major Crimes Unit and Assistant District Attorney Anthony F. Perna of the Felony Trials Bureau.
As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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