Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 19-year-old Sevehn J. Venable, also known as “Tuka,” of Buffalo was arraigned yesterday before Erie County Court Judge Sheila A. DiTullio on an indictment charging him with the following:
- One count of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, Class “B” felony
- One count of Assault in the First Degree, Class “B” felony
- One count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, Class “C” felony
- One count of Intimidating a Victim or Witness in the Third Degree, Class “E” felony
It is alleged that on April 8, 2020, at approximately 11:16 p.m., the defendant shot a victim, who was seated inside a vehicle, with an illegal gun on Madison Street in the City of Buffalo. The victim was taken to ECMC to be treated for a serious injury.
The defendant is also accused of intimidating a witness to the crime. He allegedly called witness and made threats over the phone.
Venable is scheduled to return on Tuesday, October 13, 2020 at 10:15 a.m. for a telephone pre-trial conference. He remains held without bail.
If convicted on all charges, Venable faces a maximum of 25 years in prison.
DA Flynn commends Lt. Jon Pietrzak of the Buffalo Police Department and E District patrol officers for their work in the investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Patrick B. Shanahan of the DA’s Tactical Prosecution Unit.
As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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