Trial to start for two Buffalo teens accused in the shooting death of 3-year-old Ramone Carter

BUFFALO N.Y. (WIVB) – Two Buffalo teens accused of shooting and killing a toddler last summer will soon learn their fate in court. Jury selection has started in the trial of the death of 3-year-old Ramone Carter.

Ramone’s death shook the community. He was shot and killed while playing outside on Domedian Avenue on June 21, 2024. It became even more tragic once police announced that two teens, ages 14 and 16 were allegedly responsible.

The accused teens were arrested in June 2024 and indicted in connection with Ramone’s death and injuring Ramone’s sister, who was 7 at the time. 

News 4 interviewed Ramone’s mother, Shakenya Griffin, shortly after his death. She was devastated saying she “always wanted a son and now he’s gone.”

She also pleaded to put an end to the violence. 

“The violence got to stop. This is ridiculous,” Griffin said last summer. “I’m hearing it every day, people getting shot and stuff. It’s just gotta stop. Period. I would never think that I would have to go through it myself. I miss my son. I really miss him. This is really too much for me.”

Shakenya is part of the anti-violence group “Most Valuable Parents” and does a lot in the community to make it safe. 

Carlanda Meaders who is a member of MVP, said this has been a tragedy for everyone involved. 

“It’s just loss all the way around. It affects all of us, because we love young people,” Meaders said, adding. “You think about a young person has so much life ahead of them so in a tragedy like this that’s taken away.”

Meaders, who is also a member of Back to Basics Ministries and Buffalo Peacemakers, says it takes a village to curb violence among the city’s youth. She said everyone is impacted by gun violence.

“It doesn’t matter what you do, what you’re a part of, how great of a parent you are, how bad of a parent you, violence can affect you no matter where you are,” she said.

The teens are charged with murder, attempted murder, assault and possession of a weapon. The older teen faces a maximum of 25 years to life. The younger teen faces a maximum of 15 years to life. Jury selection started on Monday. Once it’s complete, the trial will begin.