2 Teens Sentenced in Killing of 3 Year-Old Ramone “Red” Carter
Two Teens Sentenced in Senseless Killing
Two teenagers have been sentenced for their role in the shooting death of Ramone “Red” Carter and wounding his sister. The two teenagers were in possession of an illegal firearm and carried out the attack with carelessness.
Ramone “Red” Carter and his sister were playing outside when they were struck by gunfire at 9:30pm on June 21, 2024, according to the press release from Erie County District Attorney’s office.
The 3 year-old was taken the hospital where he later died and his sister survived the attack, according to the prosecutor’s office.
“A few minutes after the shooting, Buffalo Police apprehended the suspects, a 14-year-old male and a 16-year-old male, a few blocks away from the scene of the crime,” the release states. “The teens were wearing clothes and shoes that matched descriptions provided by eyewitnesses.”
Prosecutors said the children were not the intended targets of the shooting for which the teenagers were sentenced for this month.
On Jan. 2, Jahaan Taylor, now 16, was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison, the maximum sentence allowed for a juvenile offender, per the D.A.’s office.
The jury found him guilty in October 2025 of all counts, including second-degree murder, attempted murder, and other criminal offenses
Elijah Mumford (17) was convicted of first-degree manslaughter and second-degree assault although the assault charge was later dismissed, prosecutors said. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison followed by five years of post-release supervision. He was denied youthful offender adjudication.
Prior to the shooting, the teens approached a group of boys. One of them opened fire at the group with an illegal gun, and those shots hit the children instead. Investigators said two guns were used, but only one was recovered.
“Ramone ‘Red’ Carter was an innocent victim of gun violence perpetrated by two teenagers in possession of illegal firearms,” District Attorney Mike Keane stated in the release.
“I commend the surviving victim for her courageous actions on the day of this crime and bravely testifying before a jury. I also want to acknowledge the responding officers who rendered immediate aid to ‘Red’ and those who swiftly apprehended the suspects moments after the shooting.”
Shakenya Griffin, mother of the boy, said “I don’t have my son,” per news station WKBW. “So even though they’re going to be in jail, they’re still living, and I don’t have my son. And I always wanted to have a baby boy, and my baby boy is gone. He’s with me, but he’s not here with me at all.”
Buffalo’s former Mayor, Byron Brown, stated at a press conference that Griffin was active in the community and worked to keep other families and children safe from violence as a member of the Most Valuable Parents organization.