On a late Sunday evening in Buffalo, New York, on July 30, 2023, a vehicle carrying five individuals on the 100 block of Isabelle Street was pierced by a spray of bullets. The violent eruption, which occurred at approximately 11:30 p.m., left three of the occupants with gunshot wounds. Emergency services rushed the injured to Erie County Medical Center for treatment.
Among the wounded was 20-year-old Demarkus De'shaun Manners, a Black / African American male.
Four days after the shooting, on August 3, 2023, Manners succumbed to his injuries. Another victim, 20-year-old Treyvon Flood, was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital. A third victim, a 19-year-old male, survived after being treated for three gunshot wounds to his upper back.
The Buffalo Police Department's Homicide Unit launched an investigation that led them to identify a suspect. Clarence E. Thomas, 21, of Buffalo, was arrested in connection with the fatal shooting. Thomas was subsequently indicted on a slew of charges, including one count of Murder in the First Degree, two counts of Murder in the Second Degree, three counts of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, one count of Assault in the Second Degree, and two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon.
In March 2025, just days before his trial was scheduled to begin, Clarence E. Thomas pleaded guilty to all nine counts against him. Following his plea, he was sentenced to 32 years to life in prison for his role in the deaths of Demarkus Manners and Treyvon Flood, and the injury of the third victim. The case, prosecuted by the Major Crimes Unit and the Felony Trials Bureau of the Erie County District Attorney's Office, was brought to a close with his conviction and sentencing.
