Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 26-year-old Jose L. Crespo Garcia of Puerto Rico was sentenced this morning before State Supreme Court Justice Christopher J. Burns to a determinate sentence of 20 years in prison followed by 5 years of post-release supervision.

On August 28, 2018, at approximately 11:30 p.m., the defendant intentionally shot 28-year-old John Shelton, Jr. following a dispute. The shooting occurred on North Lane near the Shaffer Village housing complex in the City of Buffalo. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

Crespo Garcia pleaded guilty to one count of Manslaughter in the First Degree (Class “B” violent felony) on November 4, 2021. The defendant pleaded guilty to the charge on the day jury selection was scheduled to begin in his trial.

DA Flynn commends the Buffalo Police Department Homicide Unit for their work in the investigation as well as the U.S. Marshals Service who apprehended the defendant after locating him in Niagara Falls, N.Y.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Ryan D. Haggerty of the Homicide Bureau and Assistant District Attorney David M. Zak of the Felony Trials Bureau.