Niagara Falls, New York – Two women from Niagara Falls have entered guilty pleas in connection to a violent assault on a female manager at a Tim Hortons restaurant. Brittny Robinson, 37, and Brionna Harris, 30, each pleaded guilty to attempted second-degree burglary, a D-class felony, as part of a plea agreement with prosecutors. The maximum possible sentence for the charge is 7 years in state prison, but Judge Caroline Wojtaszek assured the women that they would not face more than two years behind bars.
Originally charged with second-degree gang assault, the women were caught on cell phone video attacking the 42-year-old manager on May 28, 2023. The video, widely shared on social media, led to their arrest by Falls Police. District Attorney Brian Seaman explained that the burglary charge was chosen based on the evidence, as it was the strongest charge available for the crime committed.
The attack resulted from a confrontation that began when the manager asked a group of disruptive juveniles to leave the restaurant. The group, linked to Robinson and Harris, retaliated by assaulting the manager. Despite the severity of the attack, the victim is said to be on the path to recovery.
In addition to the cell phone video, detectives also reviewed security footage from inside the restaurant, capturing the violent altercation. The video shows the assailants entering the establishment, with the driver of a white SUV leading the group in the attack. This evidence was crucial in identifying and charging the perpetrators.
Though the women faced potentially longer sentences, the plea agreement limits their prison time to two years. The outcome for the 13-year-old girl involved in the attack remains unknown due to New York’s Raise the Age Law. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of video evidence in holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.