Woman pleads guilty to criminally negligent homicide for killing cyclist

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — A Buffalo woman has pleaded guilty to criminally negligent homicide and assault for killing a bicyclist and injuring two others in downtown Buffalo.

The Erie County Prosecutor’s Office announces that Carmen Martin, 35, pleaded guilty Friday in Erie County Court to one count of criminally negligent homicide and two counts of battery in fact in the third degree.

On June 17, 2022, Martin was driving on South Park Avenue and struck a bicyclist near the Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino. The 32-year-old woman was taken to ECMC to be treated for head trauma and fractures.

After hitting the first cyclist, Martin continued to ride on South Park Avenue and struck two other cyclists near Columbia Street. Martin then struck a parked and unoccupied vehicle.

A 27-year-old woman was taken to ECMC to be treated for broken bones and a cut to her face.

Sara Rogers, 29, was transported to Buffalo General Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

The prosecutor’s office said an investigation determined Martin suffered from a medical condition. She was neither under the influence of alcohol nor drugs. She faces a maximum sentence of four years in prison and is scheduled to be sentenced on August 29. She remains released on her own recognizance.