Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 20-year-old Gino M. Cesar of Buffalo pleaded guilty yesterday morning before State Supreme Court Justice Debra Givens to one count of Criminally Negligent Homicide (Class “E” felony) and one count of Assault in the Second Degree (Class “D” felony).

On December 13, 2021, at approximately 8:15 p.m., the defendant was driving at a high-rate of speed westbound on Genesee Street when he drove through a red light at Pine Ridge Road in the Town of Cheektowaga, resulting in a collision with another vehicle at the intersection.

The defendant’s reckless actions caused the death of a 6-month-old male child who was a passenger inside of the other vehicle. A second passenger, an adult female, suffered serious physical injuries. The victim spent more than a week in the hospital and underwent surgery for a fractured hip. She continues to recover from the injuries. A third passenger, an adult female, was treated for minor injuries.

The defendant and his three passengers also suffered minor injuries as a result of the crash.

Cesar faces a maximum of 7 years in prison when he is sentenced on Monday, November 7, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. He continues to be held without bail.  

DA Flynn commends Officers Ashlee Loos and Eric Derby of the Cheektowaga Police Department for their work in this investigation.

The case was prosecuted by Chief Paul J. Glascott and Assistant District Attorney Christine O. Murray of the Vehicular Crimes Unit.