Man admits to pair of murders on East Utica Street in 2024
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — A Buffalo man has admitted to two murders outside a home on East Utica Street in January 2024, the Erie County District Attorney's Office said Wednesday.
James White, Jr., 23, admitted to shooting and killing 29-year-old David Honer and 24-year-old John DeShon Gibson on the front porch of a home on the morning of Jan. 2, 2024.
He pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree murder, two counts of second-degree murder, one count of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon and one count of second-degree gang assault. He pleaded guilty on Wednesday afternoon ahead of his trial. Jury selection was scheduled to begin on Wednesday morning.
Three other co-defendants, 21-year-old Jaylin Scott, 43-year-old Teffany Nance and 25-year-old LaShawn Taylor, all pleaded guilty to various charges in December. Scott pleaded guilty to second-degree gang assault, while Nance and Taylor pleaded guilty to second-degree attempted gang assault. All are awaiting sentencing.
As for White, Jr., he faces a maximum of life in prison when he is sentenced on March 5.
Aidan Joly joined the News 4 staff in 2022. He is a graduate of Canisius College. You can see more of his work here.