Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that 22-year-old Teiyahna Bivens of Buffalo pleaded guilty yesterday morning before Erie County Court Judge Susan Eagan to one count of Manslaughter in the Second Degree (Class “C” felony).
On Sunday, July 23, 2023, at approximately 5:00 p.m., the defendant stabbed her boyfriend in the chest with a knife. The crime occurred in the area of Gerhardt and Northampton streets in the City of Buffalo. The victim, 23-year-old Micqueal Rogers, died from the injury a short time later at ECMC.
Bivens was offered a plea to a reduced charge with the consent of the victim’s family and under the condition that the defendant waived her right to a Penal Law § 60.12 hearing, which would have allowed her to argue that she was a victim of domestic violence and should have a reduced sentence for the conviction.
Bivens faces a maximum of 15 years in prison when she is sentenced on Tuesday, July 30, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. She remains released on bail set at $200,000 cash, bond or partially secured surety bond.
Acting DA Keane commends the Buffalo Police Department for their work in this investigation.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Rebecca L. Schnirel of the Homicide Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Nicholas Vozzo of the Special Victims/Domestic Violence Bureau.