Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 94-year-old John Tenant of Buffalo has been arraigned before State Supreme Court Justice Christopher J. Burns on an indictment charging him with one count of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree.

It is alleged that on July 25, 2018, at approximately 9:20 a.m., the defendant, who was in possession of a .38 caliber handgun, fired a shot at a worker inside the Mary Agnes Manor on Porter Avenue in the City of Buffalo. The bullet missed the intended victim and struck a wall.

Tenant, who was found incompetent to stand trial following three forensic evaluations, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Justice Burns signed an order of commitment requested by the prosecution, which will commit the defendant to a mental health facility for one year. After a year, he will be re-evaluated on a yearly basis to determine his competency.

DA Flynn commends the thorough investigative work of the Buffalo Police Department , including Det. John Beyer. DA Flynn also commends the quick actions of the staff at Mary Agnes Manor and AMR in subduing the defendant after the shooting.

Assistant District Attorney Rachel L. Newton of the DA’s Felony Trials Bureau prosecuted the case.

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