2 teens charged in Buffalo shooting that killed 3-year-old

The teens are accused of shooting the two children while randomly shooting at a group of people outside on Domedion Avenue in the Pine Hill neighborhood near the Buffalo-Cheektowaga border, the police said. Acting Prosecutor Michael J. Keane during a news conference Tuesday evening. .

Two boys, ages 16 and 14, have been charged with second-degree murder, attempted murder, assault and criminal possession of a weapon.

“Literally,” Mayor Byron Brown said at the news conference, “these are babies killing babies. It was inadvertent. It seemed like they were targeting someone else. But the fact that “These kids had guns and were so willing to use them indiscriminately. That’s what brings us to this point today.”

Both teenagers have pleaded not guilty. They were arraigned by Erie County Family Court Judge Brenda M. Freedman in the juvenile section of Erie County Court, underscoring the seriousness of the charges and the potential consequences if the teens are found guilty, Keane said.

Ramone L. Carter, who was known to family and friends as Red, was riding his tricycle outside with his siblings and friends around 9:30 p.m. Friday when the shooting began.

His mother, Shakenya Griffin, heard gunshots and rushed outside looking for her children. She first saw her daughter, Jamia Griffin, Ramone’s 7-year-old sister, who had been shot, and then Ramone.

Ramone, who would have turned 4 on July 6, was pronounced dead a short time later at Erie County Medical Center.

Her sister was treated at Oishei Children’s Hospital.

“She will be physically fine,” Buffalo Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia said at a news conference Saturday.

Two persons of interest were questioned at police headquarters and a firearm was recovered Friday evening.

The children were not targeted, Gramaglia said.

At the time of the incident, there was no party, gathering or other event, said Mia Ayers-Goss, executive director of Most Valuable Parent, an anti-gun violence organization.

The organization involves parents and guardians of Buffalo school children to help keep the peace. Griffin has been an active member of MVP for some time, Ayers-Goss said.

“It’s something she’s passionate about as far as addressing gun violence and trying to reduce gun violence,” Ayers-Goss said. “So it’s definitely something that’s close to his heart.” We really want to make sure people pay attention to this, and we need to do something about this violence.

Crime Stoppers WNY has offered a reward of up to $7,500 for information about the shooting.

Anyone with additional information is asked to call or text the Buffalo Police confidential line at 716-847-2255.

News staff reporters Scott Scanlon and Harold McNeil contributed to this report.

This is a developing story. Check back for more details.