Buffalo man found guilty of murdering 13-year-old
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- A Buffalo man was found guilty by a jury for a 2023 murder outside of an apartment on Mortimer Street near Broadway, the Erie County District Attorney's Office announced Monday.
Avantae M. Ayala, 22, was found guilty of second-degree murder and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. He faces a maximum sentence of 40 years to life in prison.
Officials said that around 12:30 a.m. on July 7, 2023, Ayala intentionally fired his gun toward a group of teenagers outside an apartment building. Miracle Hunt, 13, was killed.
"Miracle Hunt was enjoying a summer night with friends when her life was tragically ended. She was an innocent bystander who became a victim of gun violence due to the actions of this defendant. I hope that her family feels justice has been served by this defendant being convicted of all charges,” said District Attorney Mike Keane in a statement.
He is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 22. He is being held without bail.
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Mark Ludwiczak joined the News 4 team in 2024. He is a veteran journalist with two decades of experience in Buffalo. You can follow him online at @marklud12.
