Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 58-year-old Christopher Hinson of Buffalo was sentenced this morning before State Supreme Court Justice Debra Givens to 8 years in prison followed by 5 years of post-release supervision.
The defendant and the victim were neighbors who lived in separate apartments inside of a multi-family residence on Lark Street in the City of Buffalo. On March 25, 2020, the defendant and the victim were involved in an argument in the basement of their shared residence. During the dispute, the defendant, with the intent to cause serious physical injury, stabbed the victim in the left side of his body with a knife. The defendant continued to try to stab the victim as he attempted to flee the attack. The victim was able to escape into his own apartment and called 911 for help.
The victim was transported by ambulance to ECMC where he underwent emergency surgery and remained hospitalized for four days. The victim, who underwent an additional surgery, continues to recover from the injuries.
In January 2023, a jury found Hinson guilty of one count of Assault in the First Degree (Class “B” violent felony). Jurors rendered their decision after less than two hours of deliberation following a 5-day trial, convicting the defendant of the only count in the indictment against him.
Today, Justice Givens issued a final order of protection on behalf of the victim, which remains in effect until July 2039.
DA Flynn commends the Buffalo Police Department for their work in this investigation.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Briana R. D. Miller and Assistant District Attorney Stanislaw Makowski of the Felony Trials Bureau.