BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Two teenagers, 16 and 17, have been convicted of various charges in the killing of 3-year-old Ramone “Red” Carter in 2024.
The 16-year-old, who was 14 at the time of the shooting, was convicted of second-degree murder, attempted murder, assault and possession of a weapon.
The 17-year-old, who was 16 at the time, was acquitted of a murder charge but convicted of first-degree manslaughter. He was also convicted of assault. He was acquitted of assault and a weapons charge.
The jury rendered their decision just before 10 a.m. Wednesday after about seven hours of deliberation following a nearly weeklong trial.
Carter was killed while he was playing outside of Domedian Avenue around 9:30 p.m. on June 21, 2024, during a family gathering. Carter’s 7-year-old sister was injured when she was grazed by gunfire. The sister, now 9, testified during the trial.
Prosecutors said on the first day of the trial that the children were not the intended targets and that the teenagers, who were apprehended a short time later a few blocks away, were aiming at a group of five other males who were in the area at the time. Attorneys representing the teens argued for the jury to ask themselves if the teens intentionally committed murder.
The shooting sparked a debate about guns in the community. Carter’s mother, Shakenya Griffin, is an active figure in the community, working with “Most Valuable Parents,” working to keep children and families safe from violence.
“I’m happy I got justice,” Griffin said. “Long steps … I’m happy they got what they deserve.
Both teens are scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 20, 2026. The 17-year-old faces a maximum of 25 years in prison, while the 16-year-old faces 15 years to life in prison. They are both being held without bail.