Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 25-year-old Raquan R. Reid of Cheektowaga was arraigned yesterday morning before Erie County Court Judge James Bargnesi on an indictment charging him with one count of Murder in the Second Degree (Class “A-I” felony) and two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (Class “C” violent felonies). 

It is alleged that on October 20, 2020, at approximately 3:58 p.m., the defendant knowingly acted as an accomplice to the murder of 33-year-old Winston Reese. The victim was intentionally shot multiple times by two other individuals outside of a gas station on Main Street near Glenwood Avenue in the City of Buffalo. The defendant, who is a known member of the Central Park Gang, allegedly drove the two gunmen away from the scene of the crime. The victim died from his injuries.

The two individuals suspected of committing the shooting have since died.  

It is further alleged that on Tuesday, November 16, 2021, Buffalo Police SWAT located defendant inside a home in West Seneca where he was taken into custody on the indictment warrant. During the arrest, investigators allegedly found the defendant in possession of a loaded, illegal firearm.

Reid was held without bail. A return court date has not been scheduled at this time.

If convicted of the charge, Reid faces a maximum of 25 years to life in prison.        

DA Flynn commends Det. Anthony Lapiana, Det. Erin McCarthy and Lt. Craig Macy of the Buffalo Police Department for their work in the investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Eugene T. Partridge, III of the Homicide Bureau.

As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.