Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 20-year-old Clarence E. Thomas of Buffalo was arraigned this morning before Buffalo City Court Judge Rebecca Town on two counts of Murder in the Second Degree (Class “A-I” felonies), one count of Assault in the First Degree (Class “B” violent felony) and one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree (Class “D” felony).
It is alleged that on Sunday, July 30, 2023, at approximately 11:30 p.m., the defendant intentionally fired multiple shots into an occupied vehicle on the 100 block of Isabelle Street in the City of Buffalo. All three victims were taken by ambulance to ECMC. One victim, a 20-year-old male, was pronounced dead at the hospital. The second victim, another 20-year-old male, died from the injuries four days later. The third victim, a 19-year-old male, was hospitalized with serious physical injuries.
Thomas is scheduled to return on Friday, August 18, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. for a felony hearing. He was held without bail.
If convicted of the highest counts, Thomas faces a maximum sentence of 50 years to life in prison.
DA Flynn commends the Buffalo Police Department Homicide Unit for their work in this investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Chief John P. Feroleto of the Major Crimes Unit and Assistant District Attorney Anthony F. Perna of the Felony Trials Bureau.
As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.