Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that Ramone P. James, 36, of Buffalo, was arraigned this morning before State Supreme Court Justice Deborah A. Haendiges on an indictment charging him with one count of Murder in the Second Degree (Class A-I felony), two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (Class C violent felonies), and one count of Aggravated Criminal Contempt (Class D felony).
It is alleged that on Friday, July 31, 2026, at approximately 7:450 p.m., Buffalo Police officers responded to a residence on the first block of MacAmley Street after receiving a 911 call. The victim, 32-year-old Shatisha Dade, was taken by ambulance to ECMC where she died. The defendant is accused of intentionally causing the death of his girlfriend by shooting her with an illegal weapon. He is also accused of intentionally causing serious physical injury to the victim in violation of a temporary order of protection issued by a Buffalo City Court judge on May 20, 2026.
It is further alleged that on Sunday, August 2, 2026, investigators executed a search warrant at a residence on Kiefer Street in the City of Buffalo. Police recovered an illegal pistol they believed belonged to the defendant. The defendant was subsequently taken into custody.
James is scheduled to return for a pre-trial conference on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. He remains held without bail.
If convicted of the highest charge, James faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison.
DA Keane commends Detective Adam Stephany and the Buffalo Police Department Homicide Unit for their work in this investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Justin H. Caldwell of the Homicide Bureau.
As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
If you or someone you know is a victim or may be at-risk of domestic violence, help is available through the BE SAFE Domestic Violence Victim Advocacy Program. While our staff specialize in trauma-informed support and victim advocacy following the arrest of an offender, you do not need to have a pending criminal case to speak with an advocate and access services. For more information on BE SAFE, call 716-858-4630 or visit www.erie.gov/besafe.