Family remembers slain NFTA bus driver

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - The family of an NFTA bus driver shot to death on his front porch stood side-by-side Thursday night at the scene of the crime.

Friends and relatives of Brian Chapman, Jr. didn't contain their emotions as they remembered the man who was gunned down waiting to get to work. They said the 39-year-old man would never have hurt anyone. Loved ones poured out their heartbreak during the vigil outside his Guilford Street home.

Chapman's grandmother, Darlene Girst, said, "He took the joy and the strength away and the smile, and the joy away because Brian was that, all in one, wrapped up into one."

"He was a good person, never bothered anybody. What is this killing about? This is senseless. Now we all over here hurting. We loved him," said another mourner.

Earlier Thursday, his accused killer appeared in Buffalo City Court. Joshua Mitchell has been charged with second degree murder. As he exited the courtroom, a comment to family members erupted into violence.

Officers forced the angry crowd out into the hallway, ending the explosive confrontation with one arrest. A court officer, and a member of the District Attorney's staff were slightly injured.

Mitchell is at the Erie County Holding Center. He's due back in court on Tuesday.