On January 25, 2022, a shooting inside an apartment on Auburn Avenue in Buffalo left 37-year-old Erica Marie Ralston critically injured and a 47-year-old man wounded. Both were taken to Erie County Medical Center; the male victim survived, while Erica remained in critical condition. Two weeks later, on February 8, 2022, Erica succumbed to her injuries, and her death was treated as a homicide.

Police identified a suspect and, on April 14, 2022, officers located him at a West Utica Street residence. During the encounter the suspect fled through a window, discarded a bag that later was recovered containing an illegal pistol, and was taken into custody after a foot chase and struggle.

Prosecutors say the suspect intentionally fired multiple shots from the illegal handgun, striking both victims and killing Erica, who was described as an innocent bystander. Anyone with information about the January 25 shooting or Erica’s death is asked to come forward.