Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that an 18-year-old male from Depew was arraigned this morning before Youth Part Judge Brenda Freedman on an indictment charging him with one count of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, one count of Assault in the First Degree (Class “B” violent felonies), one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (Class “C” violent felony) and one count of Assault in the Second Degree (Class “D” violent felony).
It is alleged that on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at approximately 6:15 p.m., the adolescent offender, with the intent to cause the death of another person, shot the victim with an illegal gun outside of a store on the 5100 block of Broadway in the Village of Depew. The victim, a 20-year-old female, was taken by ambulance to ECMC where she was treated for serious physical injuries. The adolescent offender, who was 17-years-old at the time of the alleged crime, was arrested by police later that night.
The adolescent offender is scheduled to return to Youth Part on Monday, June 30, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. for a pre-trial conference. He continues to be held without bail in the custody of the Erie County Youth Services Center. A temporary order of protection issued on behalf of the victim remains in effect.
DA Keane commends the Depew Police Department for their work in this investigation and the Lancaster Police Department for their assistance.
The case is being prosecuted by Chief Noha A. Elnakib and Assistant District Attorney Taylor L. Yensan of the Raise the Age/Motor Vehicle Theft Insurance Fraud Unit.
As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.