Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Flaherty, Jr. announces that 24-year-old Dennis Xenos of Amherst has been arraigned before Buffalo City Court Judge Joseph A. Fiorella on charges of Vehicular Manslaughter in the Second Degree, Vehicular Assault in the Second Degree and DWI.

Xenos was the driver of a car involved in a rollover crash that occurred at 3:20 a.m. Friday, July 8, 2016 on the "S" curves section of Delaware Ave.  A passenger in the vehicle, Christopher Rizzo was pronounced dead at ECMC a short time later and another passenger, Veronica Hager is currently in ECMC in the ICU in serious condition.  

Xenos pleaded not guilty. Judge Fiorella set bail at $35,000 and suspended the defendant’s license to drive. 

Acting DA Flaherty commends the investigative work of Buffalo Police Department Lt. Tom Leatherbarrow and Officer Robert Heidinger. 

A felony hearing is scheduled for July 13, 2016 at 9:30 a.m. in front of Judge Fiorella. 

Assistant District Attorney Christopher M. McCarthy is prosecuting the case. 

As are all defendants accused of a crime, Xenos is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.