Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 22-year-old Troy K. Holman of Buffalo pleaded guilty this afternoon before Erie County Court Judge James Bargnesi to one count of Manslaughter in the Second Degree (Class “C” felony).  

On Saturday, May 15, 2021, at approximately 9:44 a.m., the defendant recklessly caused the death of 35-year-old Tomas C. Sanchez. The defendant and co-defendant, Mikel Ayala, assaulted the victim during an argument inside of a home on Ashley Street in the City of Buffalo. Sanchez was taken by ambulance to ECMC where he died from his injuries.

Holman faces a maximum of 15 years in prison when he is sentenced on Tuesday, January 24, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. He remains released on bail set at $500,000 cash, bond or partially secured bond.  

His co-defendant, 21-year-old Mikel Ayala of Buffalo is currently serving 18 years to life in prison for intentionally stabbing the victim during the assault. Ayala pleaded guilty, as charged, to one count of Murder in the Second Degree (Class “A-I” felony) on February 22, 2022.

DA Flynn commends the Buffalo Police Department Homicide Squad for their work in the investigation. 

The case was prosecuted by Chief Cathleen M. Roemer of the Domestic Violence/Special Victims Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Briana R.D. Miller of the Felony Trials Bureau. Chief Gary W. Hackbush of the Homicide Bureau and Assistant District Attorney James W. Mansour, II of the Narcotics and Intelligence Unit also assisted in the investigation and prosecution of this case.