BUFFALO, NY – A former Buffalo Firefighter pleaded guilty to one count of manslaughter and is now facing up to 25 years in prison for a murder he committed last July. 25-year-old Blake M. Banks shot and 40-year-old Jason Johnson, who in an attempt to flee his attacker, crashed his vehicle and died.
According to Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn, on July 20, 2021, at approximately 1:00 p.m., the defendant shot the victim during a dispute on Broadway near Bennett Street in the City of Buffalo.
“The victim, 40-year-old Jason Johnson, attempted to escape the attack by driving off in a vehicle, but crashed his vehicle nearby moments later. He was taken to ECMC where he died from his injuries,” Flynn added. “Banks, a former Buffalo firefighter who was off-duty at the time of the alleged incident, faces a maximum of 25 years in prison when he is sentenced on Thursday, June 23, 2022 at 9:30 a.m. He continues to remain held without bail.”