Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Flaherty, Jr. announces an appeal has been rejected in the case of 21-year-old Shaquar Pratcher who was involved in a home invasion in Buffalo that led to the death of an elderly man.

On May 14, 2014, Pratcher was convicted of Murder in the Second Degree and Burglary in the First Degree. He was sentenced to 25 years to life.

Pratcher and 3 others burglarized the Longview Avenue home of 96-year-old Levi Clayton on November 24, 2012. Upon discovering that Clayton was home, they assaulted him, causing 8 facial fractures, including 3 fractures to his jaw.  Clayton died four months later. The medical examiner testified that the precipitating cause of his death was the assault.

The primary issue on appeal was whether the defendant “caused” Clayton’s death as that term is defined by law.  

On December 31, 2015, the Appellate Division, Fourth Department affirmed

the judgment of conviction, holding that the evidence was sufficient to show causation.  On July 1, 2016, the Court of Appeals, the highest appellate court in the state, declined to grant permission for a second appeal.  

The case is now concluded, and defendant will continue to serve his sentence.  

Acting DA Flaherty commends the legal work of his office’s Appeals Bureau, including Assistant District Attorney Nicholas T. Texido who argued the appeal.