Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that two defendants were arraigned yesterday before Erie County Court Judge James Bargnesi on an indictment charging them with the following offenses for their alleged involvement in a shooting that resulted in injuries to an innocent bystander and his two-year-old child.

Vernon Barnes, Jr., also known as “BJ,” age 45, of Buffalo

• One count of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree (Class “B” violent felony)
• One count of Assault in the First Degree (Class “B” violent felony)
• One count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (Class “C” violent felony)
• One count of Assault in the Second Degree (Class “D” felony)

Cornelius Thompson, also known as “Corey,” age 46, of Buffalo

• One count of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree (Class “B” violent felony)
• One count of Assault in the First Degree (Class “B” violent felony)
• One count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (Class “C” violent felony)
• One count of Attempted Assault in the First Degree (Class “C’ violent felony)

It is alleged that on June 28, 2022, at approximately 3:47 p.m., the defendants were involved in a shooting following a verbal altercation. The defendants, each armed with an illegal gun, are accused of attempting to the cause death of the other person by intentionally firing shots outside of a home on Decker Street in the City of Buffalo.

The defendants are accused of recklessly engaging in conduct with depraved indifference to human life, which resulted in physical injuries to two bystanders. An adult man, who was holding his two-year-old daughter in the driveway of a neighboring home, was subsequently hit in the hand and chest by gunfire. The toddler was hit in the elbow by a bullet. The male victim was taken by ambulance to ECMC. The toddler was taken by police to ECMC for an assessment then transported to Oishei Children’s Hospital for treatment.

Barnes and Thompson were held without bail. A return court date has not been scheduled at this time.

If convicted of the highest charge, Barnes and Thompson each face a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison.  

DA Flynn commends the Buffalo Police Department Gun Violence Unit for their work in this investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Timothy J. Garvin of the Narcotics/Intelligence Unit.  

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