Buffalo, New York (WNY News Now) Buffalo resident Michael A. Barnes, 37, entered a guilty plea to first-degree manslaughter in connection with a shooting death in the University Heights community. Prior to Barnes’ planned jury trial next week, the plea was entered yesterday before Judge Sheila A. DiTullio of the Erie County Court.
The incident happened on the 3100 block of Main Street close to Winspear Avenue early on Tuesday, September 12, 2023. Barnes acknowledged shooting 28-year-old Thomas Davis many times with an illegal handgun. At the scene, Davis passed away from his wounds.
Barnes could now receive a prison term of up to 25 years. At 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 6, 2025, he will be sentenced. He is still being held without being granted bail.
Detectives Jerry Guilian, Erin McCarthy, and Judith Walker of the Buffalo Police Department’s Homicide Squad were praised by Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane for their hard work in solving the case. Assistant District Attorneys John G. Schoemick and Hilarie L. Henry, who served in the Major Crimes Bureau and Special Victims/Domestic Violence Bureau, respectively, spearheaded the prosecution.