Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 21-year-old Mikel Ayala of Buffalo was sentenced on Wednesday morning before Erie County Court Judge James Bargnesi to 18 years to life in prison.

On Saturday, May 15, 2021, at approximately 9:44 a.m., the defendant was involved in the fatal attack of the victim who was stabbed multiple times during an argument inside of a home on Ashley Street in the City of Buffalo. The victim, 35-year-old Tomas Sanchez, was taken to ECMC where he died from his injuries.

Ayala pleaded guilty, as charged, to one count of Murder in the Second Degree (Class “A-I” felony) on February 22, 2022.

The case against his co-defendant, 21-year-old Troy K. Holman of Buffalo, remains pending. Holman is scheduled to return on Thursday, November 3, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. for a pre-trial hearing. He remains released on bail set at $500,000 cash, bond or partially secured bond.

DA Flynn commends the Buffalo Police Department Homicide Squad for their work in the investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Chief Gary W. Hackbush and Assistant District Attorney James W. Mansour, II of the Narcotics and Intelligence Unit.