Mayville, New York – A teenager from northern Chautauqua County has been sentenced to a decade in prison as an adult for a shooting incident that led to the death of a 19-year-old in July 2022.
Andres Lopez, the convicted teenager, will also serve five years of post-release supervision as part of the sentencing handed down by the Chautauqua County District Attorney’s Office. Jason Schmidt, the District Attorney, had initially sought a 20-year prison term for Lopez, who had pleaded guilty to a first-degree manslaughter charge in January.
The fatal incident occurred on the evening of July 5, 2022, when Lopez shot Joseph Misciagno once in the back during a fight. The altercation took place near a baseball field where young baseball players and their families were present, highlighting the tragic and senseless nature of the shooting.
The sentencing hearing for Lopez took place in Chautauqua County Court, where it was revealed that no plea deals or sentencing promises were made in the manslaughter case. Schmidt emphasized the commitment to holding the perpetrator accountable for his actions, whether through a plea or a conviction after trial.
Law enforcement officials reported that Misciagno succumbed to his injuries after being shot in the lower back during the altercation. The incident involved six individuals in the vicinity of Reed and Park streets in Sinclairville. Misciagno attempted to drive away after being shot, but his vehicle veered off the road and collided with trees shortly after.
The tragic outcome of the altercation underscores the devastating impact of gun violence in communities and the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions. The sentencing of Lopez as an adult sends a strong message about the consequences of resorting to violence and the devastating ripple effects it can have on families and communities.