Emotions run high in first day of statements in 3-year-old's killing

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — The family of 3-year-old Ramone Carter wore red. Red was the toddler’s nickname. 

The most heartbreaking moment was when prosecutors played police bodycam footage taken from the incident.

In that video, officers are seen approaching the scene where Shakenya Griffin was kneeling down next to her son crying for help. Many people left the room, including Shakenya, who was not expecting to see that video. Prosecutors recounted the night of June 21, 2024 when the toddler was shot and killed while riding his tricycle in front of his home on Domedion Avenue.

A bullet grazed his sister, Jemiah, who was 7 at the time. She recovered from her injuries. During opening statements, Prosecutors said Ramone’s last words were “Myah, help me.” Prosecutors said Ramone was not the intended target and that the accused teens, who were 14 and 16 at the time, were aiming at a group of five males. 

Attorneys say Ramone “was an innocent bystander and he paid with his life for the defendant's senseless violence.” When attorneys for the accused teens gave their opening statements they called it a horrible tragedy, that they’re not disagreeing with the idea that the toddler was an innocent bystander but said they don’t want the jury to be swayed by their emotions and to ask themselves if these teens intentionally committed murder. 

The teens are being charged with murder, attempted murder, assault and weapons charges. 

The trial will continue on Thursday at Erie County Court.