Killer learns fate after bar brawl

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - A convicted killer learned his fate Tuesday at Erie County Court. Taire Chaney, of Buffalo, will serve the next 25 years behind bars for killing a man in cold blood. During his sentencing at Erie County Court, Chaney told Judge Christopher Burns he is sorry for his actions.

“Your honor I can’t take back what I’ve done, but I can accept responsibility for my actions and make amends,” said Chaney.

In September, Chaney pleaded guilty to first degree manslaughter. He admitted to shooting 20-year-old Anthony Pitts in the head outside Pandora’s Sports Bar in March. The two got into an argument inside, but it only escalated once they left. Authorities said they’re still trying to determine why the two were arguing.

“There is no justification for taking the life of another person” said Mary Beth DePasquale, Erie County Assistant District Attorney.

“I guess he just decided to go out and have a good time and spend some money and get chicken wings from Pandora’s with friends and this is what happened to him,” said Gloria Mayes, the victim’s grandmother.

Authorities said this case was solved in a week because bar surveillance video caught the entire incident on camera. It was especially helpful with particular elements in the case.

“We have the best evidence possible, unbiased evidence in the form of that video. It show’s Mr. Pitts standing on the corner with his hands in his pockets and we know from the crime scene investigation he did not have a gun on his person,” said DePasquale.

“What the prosecution just said your honor is not true. Mr. Pitts did have a gun on him that night. The gun is evidence. A DNA test was done and his DNA was found on that weapon,” said John Gilmour, Chaney’s Defense Attorney.

Now that the case is closed, the victim’s grandmother said as painful as it may be, the family has to move forward.

Chaney was also sentenced to seven years for criminal possession of a weapon and two years for violating probation. The three sentences will be served concurrently.