Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that 28-year-old Emanuel T. Stokes, also known as Emmanuel Stokes and “Manny,” of Buffalo was arraigned this morning before Buffalo City Court Judge Tiffany R. Perry on one count of Murder in the Second Degree (Class “A-I” felony), one count of Assault in the Second Degree (Class “D” felony) and one count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Class “A” misdemeanor).
It is alleged that during the early morning hours of Sunday, May 12, 2024, the defendant intentionally caused the death of the victim by shooting him in the area of Kehr Street and Urban Street in the City of Buffalo. The victim, a 34-year-old male, was taken in a private vehicle to ECMC where he was pronounced dead.
It is further alleged that later the same morning, at approximately 2:25 a.m., the defendant stabbed a juvenile at a residence on the 200 block of Mills Street in the City of Buffalo. The victim, a teenage boy, was taken by ambulance to Oishei Children’s Hospital where he was treated for a stab wound to his upper arm and a cut to his neck.
Stokes is scheduled to return on Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. for a felony hearing. He was held without bail.
If convicted of the highest charge, Stokes faces a maximum sentence of 25 year to life in prison.
Acting DA Keane commends Officer Thomas Herbert and Officer Anthony Shea of the Buffalo Police Department for their work in this investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney John P. Gerken, Jr. of the Homicide Bureau, Assistant District Attorney Timothy J. Garvin of the Major Crimes Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Caitlyn G. Burns of the Domestic Violence/Special Victims Bureau.
As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
