Tuesday News Brief

Two weeks after it was initially due, Governor Hochul says a brand-new state budget is likely going to be passed soon. At the Capitol yesterday, the governor laid out a $237 billion spending plan for the next fiscal year. Lawmakers and Hochul have been trying to strike a deal on key issues including Medicaid reimbursement rates, school aid funding, and how to address the Empire State’s housing crisis. Both the Senate and Assembly need to approve the budget before the governor can sign it.

 

 

The man who entered a methodone clinic in Buffalo armed with a gun has pleaded guilty to multiple felony charges. Prosecutors say that before 49-year-old Jeremy Griffith went into the clinic in November 2022, he shot a woman in her apartment on Pennsylvania Avenue. The victim, who didn’t know Griffith, was hit once by gunfire and survived her injuries. Griffith is still in custody and will be sentenced in May.

 

The nearly four-year search for a missing Buffalo boy has come to a sad end. According to authorities, the remains of 12-year-old Jaylen Griffin were found in a residence on Sheffield Avenue and this case is being treated as a homicide. Griffin was last seen alive in August 2020 after going to a grocery store, but he never returned home. Anyone who has information can reach out to Buffalo police at 716-851-4416.

 

 

 

 

A convicted murderer is now a free man after being released from federal prison. Albert Ranieri was behind bars after admitting to shooting and killing Anthony Vaccaro in Greece back in 2000. Before that homicide, Ranieri was the driver during an armored truck heist that led to nearly $11 million being stolen in Henrietta. Ranieri is now 59-years-old and was serving a 30 year prison sentence.

 

 

 

Following weeks of testimony, the jury has handed down its verdict in the wrongful death trial of Richard Metcalf Junior. The panel ruled yesterday that Metcalf’s father would receive at least $95 million. Metcalf died after being strangled and beaten by officers at the Erie County Holding Center back in 2012. He was in custody after being accused of breaking into a catering business where he was employed. The Erie County Attorney says an appeal is already being planned.

 

 

 

Nearly two-dozen animals were discovered in a downtown Rochester building last week, sparking an investigation from the Humane Society. A total of 22 exotic pets, including geckos, a tortoise, snakes and more, were found in poor condition in a room in that building. The Humane Society found the animals after the tenant was evicted from the property and left their pets behind. All told, those 22 animals were left in what was described as “dehydrated and emaciated” states. One of those animals was found dead due to the lack of day-to-day care. The rescued animals are now being cared for at Lollypop Farm, with the Seneca Park Zoo also helping care for a larger tortoise. No arrests or charges have been announced at this point, but we’re told this is an ongoing investigation.

 

For the next few days, folks who live in Buffalo and surrounding areas will be able to get a great meal at an even better price. That is because Buffalo Restaurant Week Spring Edition is now underway and runs through Friday. There are dozens of restaurants taking part and many of them will be offering special menu items. To check out the full list of participating businesses, head to visitbuffaloniagara.com.

 

The Buffalo Sabres have wrapped up their season on a winning note after picking up a victory on the road. Dylan Cozens scored twice while Zach Benson and Jordan Greenway had a goal each as the Sabres defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-2 last night. Buffalo goaltender Eric Comrie stopped 31 of the 33 shots he faced in the contest. The Sabres finished with 84 points but missed the postseason for the 13th year in a row.

 

Former Syracuse women’s hoops star and Rochester native Dyaisha Fair has fulfilled her dream of being selected by a WNBA team. Fair was the 16th overall pick in last night’s draft in New York City, and will join the reigning league champions the Las Vegas Aces. Fair finished her collegiate career as the third-leading scorer in NCAA Division One women’s basketball history. The WNBA’s 2024 campaign begins May 14th.