Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 26-year-old Rickey L. Bryant of Buffalo was arraigned this morning before Erie County Court Judge Kenneth Case on an indictment charging him with one count of Murder in the Second Degree (Class “A-I” felony) and one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (Class “C” violent felony).

It is alleged that on January 19, 2021, at approximately 2:00 p.m., the defendant intentionally shot 35-year-old Tony D. Rookard multiple times with an illegal firearm inside of a convenience store on Doat Street in the City of Buffalo. The victim died from his injuries at the scene.

Bryant was remanded without bail. A return date has not been scheduled at this time.

If convicted on all charges, Bryant faces a maximum of 25 years to life in prison.

DA Flynn commends the Buffalo Police Department Homicide Squad for their work in the investigation as well as the U.S. Marshals Service who located the defendant in Dallas, Texas.

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.