Getaway driver pleads guilty to manslaughter as accomplice in 2020 homicide

Submitted by the Erie County District Attorney’s Office

Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announced 27-year-old Raquan R. Reid of Cheektowaga pleaded guilty yesterday morning before Erie County Court Judge James Bargnesi to one count of manslaughter in the first degree (class “B” violent felony).

On Oct. 20, 2020, at approximately 3:58 p.m., the victim was shot multiple times by two individuals outside of a gas station on Main Street near Glenwood Avenue in the City of Buffalo. The victim, 33-year-old Winston Reese, died from his injuries.

The two individuals suspected of committing the homicide have since died. The defendant, who is a known member of the Central Park Gang, drove the two gunmen away from the scene of the crime.

Reid faces a maximum of 25 years in prison when he is sentenced on Wednesday, Sept. 6. He continues to be held without bail.

DA Flynn commends Det. Anthony Lapiana, Det. Erin McCarthy and Lt. Craig Macy of the Buffalo Police Department for their work in the investigation.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Eugene T. Partridge III of the homicide bureau and Assistant District Attorney Rebecca A. Fioravanti of the special victims/domestic violence bureau.