MAYVILLE, N.Y. — A teenager in Sinclairville, New York, has pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter in connection to a fatal shooting, potentially facing up to 25 years in prison as a result. The defendant, who was a minor at the time of the incident, entered the guilty plea just as jury selection was about to commence in Chautauqua County Court, according to Jason Schmidt, the Chautauqua County district attorney. The victim, Joseph Misciagno, 19, was killed during a daytime fight in July 2022, after being shot once in the back at Reed and Park streets in Sinclairville. The incident took place outside a baseball field where families and little leaguers were present, Schmidt emphasized.
After being indicted on the first-degree manslaughter charge, the defendant entered the guilty plea as jury selection was set to begin. Prosecutors confirmed that no reductions or sentencing promises were offered to the defendant in exchange for the guilty plea. The sentencing is scheduled for March 1 in Chautauqua County Court.
At the time of the shooting, law enforcement reported that Misciagno had died after being shot during a scuffle in the evening. Sheriff James Quattrone mentioned that the victim was one of six people present at the location where the shooting occurred. After being shot, Misciagno got into a truck and drove for about a quarter-mile before the vehicle left the road and struck some trees.
The guilty plea by the defendant marks a significant development in the case, underscoring the intention of holding the individual accountable for the crime committed. The thorough investigation conducted by the Sheriff’s Office played an instrumental role in the outcome. Sentencing is set to take place on March 1, as the community awaits the legal resolution to this tragic incident.