Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 21-year-old Cody Jeffords of Cheektowaga has been sentenced to 24 years in prison and five years post-release supervision by Erie County Court Judge Sheila A. DiTullio. 

In December 2016, Jeffords pleaded guilty to Manslaughter in the First Degree for a fatal beating. 

On May 25, 2016, the defendant severely beat 19-year-old Justin Vanderwalker of Cheektowaga after coming home and finding Vanderwalker with his girlfriend. The victim initially fled the apartment, but the defendant followed Vanderwalker outside and began striking him with his bare hands.  Vanderwalker died three days later of the injuries he received in the fight. 

DA Flynn commends the investigative work of the Cheektowaga Police Department, including Lt. Thomas Wentland, and Detectives Eric Broska and David Mossman. 

Assistant District Attorneys John Patrick Feroleto and Danielle E. Smith prosecuted the case.