Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that Rickey M. Crouch, 49, of no permanent address, was arraigned this afternoon before Erie County Court Judge James Bargnesi 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 shortly after midnight on Thursday, July 17, 2025, the defendant intentionally caused the death of his ex-girlfriend by shooting her with an illegal gun. The crime occurred at the victim’s residence on the 600 block of South Ogden Street in the City of Buffalo. The victim, a 44-year-old female, died at the scene.
Crouch was held without bail. If convicted of the highest charge, he faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison. A return court date has not been scheduled at this time
At the time of the alleged crime, the defendant was pending prosecution for two prior domestic violence-related incidents involving the same victim. On May 20, 2025, Crouch was arraigned on one count of Burglary in the Second Degree (Class “C” violent felony), one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (Class “C” violent felony), one count of Criminal Mischief in the Third Degree (Class “E” felony), one count of Criminal Obstruction of Breathing or Blood Circulation, one count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Class “A” misdemeanors) and one count of Harassment in the Second Degree (violation).
It is alleged that on the evening of Monday, May 19, 2025, the defendant unlawfully entered a residence 600 block of South Ogden Street in the City of Buffalo, with the intent to commit a crime, by intentionally breaking a door. The defendant is accused of subjecting the adult female victim to physical contact by grabbing her throat during the incident. The alleged crime occurred in the presence of a juvenile. It is further alleged that when responding Buffalo Police officers initiated a traffic stop, the defendant attempted to flee on foot. The defendant was quickly apprehended. A loaded, illegal handgun was allegedly recovered from his flight path, which was submitted into evidence for further analysis.
At the arraignment, our prosecutor requested that the defendant be remanded. Bail was set at $50,000 cash or bond, which was posted by the defendant. Temporary orders of protection were issued on behalf of the victims.
It is also alleged that on the evening of Tuesday, May 20, 2025, after having posted bail, the defendant drove by the victim’s home and the home of the victim’s relative while knowingly in violation of an existing order of protection. The defendant’s alleged actions caused the victim to be harassed, annoyed and alarmed. The victim reported the incident to the police.
On May 23, 2025, Crouch was arraigned on one count of Criminal Contempt in the Second Degree (Class “A” misdemeanor) and one count of Harassment in the Second Degree (violation). Our prosecutor requested that the Court impose bail at $30,000 cash or bond on the criminal contempt case pursuant to Criminal Procedure Law 510.10(4)(t) as his alleged conduct involved harm to an identifiable person committed while he was released on bail for a separate crime involving harm to an identifiable person. Crouch was released on his own recognizance.
DA Keane commends the Buffalo Police Department for their work in this ongoing investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Christopher S. Safulko of the Homicide Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Meredith M. Mohun of the Special Victims/Domestic Violence 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.