Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 24-year-old Jose L. Crespo Garcia of Puerto Rico has been arraigned before State Supreme Court Justice Russell P. Buscaglia on one count of Murder in the Second Degree, a Class “A-1” felony, and one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a Class “C” felony.

It is alleged that on August 28, 2018, at approximately 11:30 p.m., the defendant fatally shot 28-year-old John Shelton, Jr. on North Lane in the Shaffer Village public housing complex. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

The defendant remains held without bail. A return court date has not been scheduled at this time.

If convicted on all charges, Crespo Garcia faces a maximum of 25 years to life in prison.

DA Flynn commends the Buffalo Police Department Homicide Unit for their work in the investigation. DA Flynn also recognizes the U.S. Marshals who apprehended the defendant, who has been sought by law enforcement for over a year, in Niagara Falls, New York yesterday.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Christine M. Garvey of the DA’s Homicide Bureau.

As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.