Teen Arraigned for Injuring Victim in Gang Assault at MLK Park

Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that a 16-year-old male from Buffalo was arraigned late yesterday afternoon before Youth Part Judge Brenda Freedman on one count of Gang Assault in the First Degree (Class "B" violent felony).

It is alleged that on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at approximately 2:55 p.m., the adolescent offender, while being intentionally aided by other individuals, caused serious physical injuries to the victim at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park near North Parade Avenue in the City of Buffalo. The victim was repeatedly punched and kicked by multiple suspects during the attack. The unconscious victim, a 15-year-old male, was taken by ambulance to Oishei Children's Hospital where he remains hospitalized for serious physical injuries.

The adolescent offender is scheduled to return on Monday, November 4, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. for a felony hearing. He was remanded to the custody of the Erie County Youth Services Center.

"My office will be aggressively prosecuting this adolescent offender in Youth Part as police continue to search for additional suspects involved this attack. I want residents of this community, especially our youth, to know that we take these cases seriously and there are consequences to engaging in violent, criminal behavior. My thoughts and prayers remain with the victim and his family as he continues to recover at the hospital," said Acting Erie County DA Mike Keane.

Acting DA Keane commends the Buffalo Police Department for their work in this ongoing investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Chief Noha A. Elnakib and Assistant District Attorney Nicholas Marino 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.