Niagara falls man pleads guilty to murder for fatally beating his ex-girlfriend's boyfriend

Submitted by the Erie County District Attorney’s Office

Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announced 31-year-old Abouycea D. Thornton of Niagara Falls pleaded guilty yesterday afternoon before State Supreme Court Justice Deborah A. Haendiges to one count of murder in the second degree (class “A-I” felony). The defendant pleaded guilty to the highest count in the indictment against him. 

On Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, at approximately 11:30 p.m., Buffalo Police responded to a reported fight on the 400 block of Berkshire Avenue near Bailey Avenue. The defendant attacked his ex-girlfriend and beat her boyfriend with a metal pipe. The victim, 29-year-old Nickolas Grazes from Buffalo, died from the injuries. The female victim was treated for injuries to her arm and released from the hospital.

Thornton faces a maximum of 25 years to life in prison when he is sentenced on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024. He continues to be held without bail.

DA Flynn commends the Buffalo Police Department Homicide Squad for its work in this investigation.

The case was prosecuted by Chief Gary W. Hackbush of the homicide bureau and Assistant District Attorney Rachel M. Vicario of the special victims/domestic violence bureau.