Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 21-year-old Avantae M. Ayala, also known as "Tay," of Buffalo was arraigned this morning before Erie County Court Judge Susan Eagan on an indictment charging him with one count of Murder in the Second Degree (Class “A-I” felony) and one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (Class “C” violent felony).
It is alleged that on Friday, July 7, 2023, at approximately 12:33 a.m., Buffalo Police officers responded to a reported shooting on Mortimer Street near Broadway. The victim, a 13-year-old female, was found deceased at the scene.
The defendant is accused of intentionally firing an illegal pistol toward of a group of teenagers who were gathered outside of an apartment. The victim died from a single gunshot wound to her head.
Ayala was held without bail. A return court date has not been scheduled at this time.
If convicted of the highest charge, Ayala faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison.
DA Flynn commends Detective Erin McCarthy of the Buffalo Police Department for her work in this investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Chief Eugene T. Partridge, III of the Major Crimes Bureau and Assistant District Attorney James L. Harrington of the Raise the Age Unit.
As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.