Daevon Roberts: Buffalo man arrested after shots fired during altercation at Jaylen Griffin's vigil
Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.
BUFFALO, NEW YORK: Buffalo police have arrested one person in connection with shots fired at a memorial for Jaylen Griffin, 12, on Monday night, April 22, as revealed by authorities on Tuesday.
The suspect, identified as 25-year-old Daevon Roberts of Buffalo, stands accused of firing shots at a car following an altercation at the event, which took place at Buffalo’s Central Terminal on Memorial Drive and Sweet Avenue around 7:15 pm.
Daevon Roberts accused of fleeing scene after alleged shooting incident
The gunfire caused damage, including a flat tire. Roberts is also alleged to have fled the scene in a vehicle after the shots were fired. However, it remains unclear whether Roberts has any direct connection to Griffin’s family.
Roberts faces charges including second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, first-degree reckless endangerment, and third-degree criminal mischief, per WIVB.
Discovery of Jaylen Griffin's body leaves Buffalo neighborhood in dismay
Meanwhile, residents of Buffalo are expressing alarm as details emerge about the history of police visits to the attic where the body of 12-year-old Griffin was discovered after a nearly four-year search.
The quiet neighborhood of South Buffalo was rattled by the discovery of Griffin's body at 107 Sheffield Ave on Friday, April 12, leading to a homicide investigation into his death. Despite extensive community and law enforcement efforts to locate the boy, including flyer distributions and thorough searches, the boy remained missing for months.
Questions around the discovery of Jaylen Griffin's body
Neighbors, stunned by the tragedy, had never noticed anything suspicious in the area. Pastor Tim Newkirk of GYC Ministry, acting as the family's spokesperson, raised questions about the circumstances surrounding Griffin's discovery.
"How did he end up here? Was he moved?" Pastor Newkirk questioned. "The questions are still remaining. How long was he dead? How long was he deceased? Was he found in something that was locked and had to be opened?" reported MEAWW.
Vigil held to honor Jaylen Griffin's 16th birthday
Griffin's body was found in the attic of a Sheffield Avenue residence by a maintenance worker, prompting an immediate police response. Despite the absence of a decomposing odor, the body's advanced state of decomposition necessitated confirmation of the boy's identity through dental records.
The gathering on Monday night was intended to commemorate what would have been Griffin’s 16th birthday. Crime Stoppers is offering a $7,500 reward for information leading to the arrest of Griffin’s killer.
