Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that James E. Clarke, 31, of Buffalo, was arraigned on Sunday morning before Buffalo City Court Judge Erin E. Hart on one count of Vehicular Manslaughter in the Second Degree (Class D felony) and one count of Driving While Intoxicated (unclassified misdemeanor under New York State Vehicle & Traffic Law).
It is alleged that on the evening of Saturday, December 27, 2025, the defendant was operating a vehicle while intoxicated when he hit a pedestrian in the crosswalk at the intersection of Goodrich Street and Ellicott Street in the City of Buffalo. The victim, a 45-year-old female, was taken by ambulance to Buffalo General Hospital where she died from the injuries.
Clarke is scheduled to return on Friday, January 2, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. for a felony hearing. Our prosecutor requested that the defendant be remanded. At this time, he remains held on bail set at $200,000 cash or bond.
If convicted of the highest charge, Clarke faces a maximum sentence of 7 years in prison.
DA Keane commends the Buffalo Police Department Accident Investigation Unit for their work in this investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Christine O. Murray of the Vehicular Crimes Bureau.
As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.