Buffalo man accused of fatally shooting victim, stabbing second victim

Acting Erie County Prosecutor Michael J. Keane announces that Emanuel T. Stokes, 28, also known as Emmanuel Stokes and “Manny,” of Buffalo was arraigned this morning before Buffalo City Court Judge Tiffany R. Perry on one count of second-degree murder (class “AI” felony), one count of battery second-degree felony (class “D” felony) and one count of endangering the welfare of a child (class “A” misdemeanor).

It is alleged that in the early morning hours of Sunday, May 12, 2024, the defendant intentionally caused the death of the victim by shooting him in the area of ​​Kehr Street and Urban Street in the City of Buffalo. The victim, a 34-year-old man, was taken in a private vehicle to ECMC where he was pronounced dead.

It is further alleged that later that morning, at approximately 2:25 a.m., the defendant stabbed a juvenile at a residence located in the 200 block of Mills Street, in the City of Buffalo. The victim, a teenage boy, was taken by ambulance to Oishei Children's Hospital where he was treated for a stab wound to his arm and a cut to his neck.

Stokes is scheduled to return on Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. for a felony hearing. He was held without bail.

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

Acting Prosecutor Keane commends Officer Thomas Herbert and Officer Anthony Shea of ​​the Buffalo Police Department for their work in this investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor John P. Gerken, Jr. of the Homicide Bureau, Assistant Prosecutor Timothy J. Garvin of the Major Crimes Bureau, and Assistant Prosecutor Caitlyn G. Burns of the Domestic Violence/Victims Bureau special.

Like all people accused of a crime, the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.