One year later after the death of 19-year-old Tyler Lewis no criminal charges have been filed for the murder. Due to the unresolved criminal case, Suffolk County Clergy will support the Tyler Lewis Family in a call to justice for Erie County court to provide the name of the defendants. In September 2023, Erie County judge has rejected a request from the Lewis family to release grand jury minutes containing the names of the people involved in the murder.

In October 2022, Tyler Lewis a 19-year-old from Long Island was a sophomore at Buffalo State College. He was stabbed in the chest near the Ellicott Complex on the University at Buffalo’s North Campus. He was taken to ECMC where he was pronounced dead.

Erie County District Attorney John Flynn claimed the murderer, a white male who stabbed Tyler with a knife claimed he was defending himself. However, Tyler Lewis a black male was unarmed and no criminal history. The DA refused to pursue and criminal charges or take the case to a grand jury. Erie County Judge James F. Bargnesi ruled that families request “failed to set forth the compelling and particularized need necessary to overcome the presumption of confidentiality.”

 Crime Stoppers is also offering a reward of up to $7,500 for information leading to the arrest or indictment of the person(s) responsible for Tyler Lewis’ death. If you have information, you’re asked to contact Crime Stoppers at (716) 867-6161.