A 21-year-old Buffalo woman, Iyanna Scott, was arraigned and charged with 2nd degree murder on Friday June 21st after allegedly fatally striking a pedestrian with her car following an altercation in May of 2024. The announcement was made by the Erie County District Attorney's Office.
According to officials, the incident occurred on the evening of May 19th when Scott drove two male passengers in a Hyundai Elantra to a car wash on Walden Avenue. While outside the car wash, an altercation broke out between Scott and one of the passengers, leading the two men to walk away.
Allegedly, Scott followed the two men in the Hyundai and accelerated the vehicle in their direction as they crossed Union Road. The victim, identified as 21-year-old Demario Patterson, was struck and later taken to ECMC for his injuries. Tragically, Patterson succumbed to his injuries and passed away.
After the incident, Scott is accused of fleeing the scene without reporting it to the police. The Hyundai was later discovered on Briscoe Avenue in Buffalo.
Acting Erie County District Attorney Mike Keane described the crime as "totally senseless." He stated, "This defendant allegedly knew these two victims, was driving around with them prior to the crime, and then intentionally drove her vehicle toward them as they defenselessly crossed the street. My thoughts remain with the family and friends of the young man who tragically lost his life. Thankfully, the surviving victim and no one else was injured on the road that day."
Scott has been charged with one count of second-degree murder, one count of second-degree attempted murder, and one count of leaving the scene of an incident without reporting resulting in death. If convicted, she could face a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison. Scott is currently being held without bail.