Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 23-year-old Mario K. Washington, Jr. of Buffalo pleaded guilty this morning before Erie County Court Judge James Bargnesi to one count of Manslaughter in the First Degree (Class “B” violent felony).  

On July 1, 2020, at approximately 9:53 p.m., the defendant shot the victim who was sitting inside of a vehicle in a parking lot on the 1200 block of Delaware Avenue in the City of Buffalo. The victim, 28-year-old Shariff Jackson, died at the scene. 

Washington also entered a plea in a separate indictment today, pleading guilty to one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree (Class “D” felony) for possession of an illegal gun. 

On February 19, 2020, Erie County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant of the defendant’s home on Chelsea Place in the City of Buffalo. Investigators found an illegal, loaded firearm hidden in the basement. The defendant was linked to the gun through DNA evidence.

Washington faces a maximum of 25 years in prison when he is sentenced on Monday, January 10, 2022 at 9:30 a.m. He continues to remain held without bail.

DA Flynn commends the Buffalo Police Department Homicide Squad and the Erie County Sheriff’s Office for their work in these investigations.  

The case was prosecuted by Chief Gary W. Hackbush of the Homicide Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Matthew S. Szalkowski of the Major Crimes Unit.