Buffalo man pleads guilty for fatally shooting victim on East Ferry Street

Submitted by the Erie County District Attorney’s Office

Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announced 39-year-old Louis C. Goforth of Buffalo pleaded guilty this morning before Erie County Court Judge Sheila A. DiTullio to one count of manslaughter in the first degree (class “B” violent felony).

On Sunday, Jan. 22, 2023, at approximately 4:30 a.m., the defendant shot the victim with an illegal gun on the 200 block of East Ferry Street. The victim, a 39-year-old Mario Saddler, died at the scene.

Goforth faces a maximum of 25 years in prison when he is sentenced on Monday, March 25. He continues to be held without bail.

Flynn commends the Buffalo Police Department homicide squad for its work in this investigation.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Rebecca L. Schnirel of the homicide bureau, and Assistant District Attorney Justin T. Wallens of the felony trials bureau.