BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — The 18-year-old man accused of killing 10 people and injuring three more in a mass shooting in Buffalo on May 14, appeared in Buffalo City Court on Thursday.
The suspect is charged with first-degree murder in the mass shooting at Tops on Jefferson Avenue. On Saturday, he entered a not-guilty plea.
The suspect was brought into the courtroom wearing an orange jumpsuit and shackles for what was to be a felony hearing.
Suspect has arrived. @WKBW pic.twitter.com/n7jsmEIajZ
— Eileen Buckley (@eileenwkbw) May 19, 2022
A moment for the community to see the suspected gunman who prosecutors say murdered ten people
A grand jury has indicted the suspect and Thursday's felony hearing was adjourned. He is due back in court on June 9.
In the proceedings, prosecutors from the Erie County District Attorney's office told the court a grand jury has voted for an indictment against him based on the felony complaint filed on Saturday, the same day of the shooting.
Along with the public defender, two other attorneys also appeared on the suspect's behalf.
“We understand that elevates the need for a felony hearing this morning, however, we are not going to wave anything on behalf of our client today,” stated one attorney.
There was no felony hearing.
Buffalo City Court Chief Judge Craig Hannah said the suspect would continue to be held without bail.
“Does he understand that he is held over for further action by the grand jury?” Judge Hannah asked. “He understands it,” replied the attorney.
Some of the victim's family members were present in the courtroom Thursday, with one calling the suspect a coward as he left the courtroom.
"Payton, you are a coward," shouted the family member.
A family member of a victim called the suspect a coward as he left the courtroom @WKBW pic.twitter.com/benpwjMzbT
— Olivia Proia (@OliviaProia) May 19, 2022
Erie County District Attorney John Flynn released the following statements Thursday:
“The felony hearing scheduled to occur this morning before Buffalo City Court Judge Craig D. Hannah has been adjourned pursuant to New York State Criminal Procedure Law Article 180.80 due to action of the Grand Jury. The matter is scheduled to return for further proceedings on Thursday, June 9, 2022 at 9:30 a.m. before Judge Hannah. The defendant continues to remain held without bail. There will be no further comment from our office until there is a report following an investigation by the Grand Jury. As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.”
“As indicated by prosecutors in Court this morning, the Grand Jury has voted to indict the defendant. The Grand Jury investigation has not been completed. Our office cannot comment further until there is an indictment reported to the Court following a complete investigation by the Grand Jury. At this time, the defendant remains charged with one count of Murder in the First Degree in Buffalo City Court.”
