Buffalo man pleads guilty for killing bystander in shooting inside apartment on city's west side

Submitted by the Erie County District Attorney’s Office 

Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announced 28-year-old Victor M. Cramer-Williams, also known as “Bookie,” of Buffalo, 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 Jan. 25, 2022, at approximately 11 p.m., the defendant intentionally fired multiple shots from an illegal gun toward a male victim inside of an apartment on the 200 block of Auburn Avenue in the City of Buffalo. Another person was subsequently injured by gunfire. The defendant fled the apartment immediately after the shooting.

Both victims were taken by ambulance to ECMC. The 47-year-old male victim was treated for injuries, but survived. The female victim, 37-year-old Erica M. Ralston of Buffalo, died on Feb. 8, 2022.

On April 14, 2022, defendant was located by the Buffalo Police Department, U.S. Marshals violent fugitive task force and FBI “Safe Streets” task force at a residence on West Utica Street. The defendant jumped out of window and onto a garage roof in attempt to evade arrest. While running from police, the defendant threw a black bag on Brayton Street. During the brief chase, the defendant refused numerous commands to stop and fought with officers while being placed under arrest. The defendant was subsequently tased by a Buffalo Police officer and taken into custody. Investigators found an operable, illegal pistol inside of the bag.

Cramer-Williams faces a maximum of 25 years in prison when he is sentenced on Monday, July 24. He continues to be held without bail.

DA Flynn commends the U.S. Marshals Service, FBI “Safe Streets” task force and the Buffalo Police Department for their work in the investigation.

The case was prosecuted by Chief Justin T. Wallens of the felony trials bureau and Assistant District Attorney Ryan D. Haggerty of the homicide bureau.