Christopher Boyd, 37, will spend the next 35 years in prison for a string of crimes, including the 2016 robbery and shooting at Zoe restaurant in Clarence.

Boyd had been working at Zoe’s for about six months on the night of September 4, 2016, when he robbed and shot restaurant owner Alex Pozantidis as he was leaving his business with the proceeds of the day. Boyd also shot at Pozantidis’ wife, but did not strike her. 

In the months before that, he burglarized a home on Riverside Avenue in Buffalo and assaulted the homeowner. He also carjacked a woman, stealing her vehicle and purse at gun point.

He was taken into custody in November, 2016. Police say he had a gun in his waistband, which he was reaching for at the time of his arrest.

Boyd was on parole for a 2004 violent felony at the time of his 2016 crimes.

Erie County District Attorney John Flynn says Boyd’s 35 year sentence is appropriate.

“That keeps him off the street,” he told News 4. “Here’s an individual who went on a spree of criminal activity in a six month period, who is a menace to society, who’s a menace to the city of buffalo, and now, if he continues his menacing, he can menace in prison.”

In May of 2018, Boyd pleaded guilty to ten charges, including burglary, robbery, assault, attempted murder, criminal possession of a weapon and criminal possession of stolen property.

Although Boyd was smiling as he left the courtroom Thursday, he told the judge he was remorseful.

“I would like to apologize to the victims, the victim’s families for the pain and the trouble that I’ve caused,” Boyd said. “And today I am willing to accept my fate.”

Pozantidis did not speak in court, but was present at the sentencing. Hon. Sheila DiTullio acknowledged a letter Pozantidis had written to the court, noting that he still has trouble with his hand after the shooting. That injury, she noted, is problematic in his line of work.