Lockport Man Sentenced for Recklessly Killing Bicyclist in Air Gun Shooting

Tuesday, October 1, 2024

Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that Kenneth James, 44, of Lockport was sentenced yesterday afternoon before Erie County Court Judge Kenneth Case to an indeterminate sentence of 2 to 6 years in prison.

On Monday, August 14, 2023, at approximately 3:50 p.m., the defendant recklessly caused the death of the victim by shooting him with an air gun. The crime occurred as the victim was riding a bicycle on Broadway near Krettner Street in the City of Buffalo. The victim, 38-year-old Joseph Dash, died at the scene. An autopsy determined that the victim died from a pellet round shot to his chest.

James pleaded guilty to one count of Manslaughter in the Second Degree (Class "C" felony). The defendant pleaded guilty to the count in full satisfaction of the indictment against him on March 15, 2024.

Acting DA Keane commends Det. Sgt. Sean McCabe, Detective Mark Costantino, Detective Adam Stephany and Detective Christopher Sterlace of the Buffalo Police Department for their work in this investigation.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Frank A. Strano of the Major Crimes Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Justin H. Caldwell of the Homicide Bureau.