Erie County District Attorney Frank A. Sedita, III announced that 19 year old Robert Moore of 136 Theodore Street, Buffalo and 22 year old Bernard Byrd, III of 46 Van Gordner, Buffalo, pleaded guilty to Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (as charged) and Robbery in the Second Degree before Erie County Court Judge Kenneth F. Case. 

The convictions of Moore and Byrd stem from a botched armed robbery. Specifically, on July 28, 2013 they approached three men on Minnesota Avenue in the City of Buffalo and robbed one at gunpoint, prompting the robbery victim’s father to retrieve his lawfully registered handgun. Instead of turning tail, Moore and Byrd unwisely chose to turn their guns on the victim’s father, who promptly returned fire, striking both assailants. The police quickly responded and caught the wounded robbers in close proximity to the crime scene.

The case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Paul C. Parisi, who is assigned to DA Sedita’s Tactical Prosecution Unit. Moore and Byrd each face a maximum prison sentence of 15 years when they are sentenced on October 31, 2013 at 9:30 a.m. before Judge Case.