Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that 21-year-old Iyanna R. Scott of Buffalo was arraigned this morning before State Supreme Court Justice Betty Calvo-Torres on an indictment charging her with one count of Murder in the Second Degree (Class “A-I” felony), one count of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree (Class “B” violent felony) and one count of Leaving the Scene of an Incident Without Reporting Resulting in Death (Class “D” felony).
It is alleged that on Sunday, May 19, 2024, at approximately 5: 22 p.m., the defendant drove with two male passengers to a car wash on the 2200 block of Walden Avenue in the Town of Cheektowaga. While outside of the business, the defendant and one of the male passengers were allegedly involved in an argument. When the defendant allegedly engaged in a physical altercation, both men walked away from the defendant, crossed the street and proceeded to walk westbound on Walden Avenue across Union Road. The defendant allegedly followed the victims while driving a Hyundai Elantra.
It is further alleged that the defendant, with the intent to cause the death of the victims, accelerated the vehicle in the direction of both men as they crossed Union Road. One victim, 21-year-old Demario Patterson, was hit. The victim was taken by ambulance to ECMC where he later died from the injuries.
The defendant allegedly drove away from the scene without reporting the incident to police. The vehicle was later found on Briscoe Avenue in the City of Buffalo.
Scott was held without bail. A return court date has not been scheduled at this time. If convicted of the highest charge, she faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison.
“This is a totally senseless crime. This defendant allegedly knew these two victims, was driving around with them prior to the crime, and then intentionally drove her vehicle toward them as they defenselessly crossed the street. My thoughts remain with the family and friends of the young man who tragically lost his life. Thankfully, the surviving victim and no one else was injured on the road that day,” said Acting Erie County District Attorney Mike Keane.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Christine O. Murray and Christopher M. McCarthy of the Vehicular Crimes Bureau.
As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.