Rickey Crouch, a 49-year-old suspect in a Buffalo homicide, was apprehended by New York State Police on I-90 near Hamburg on Thursday night.
Buffalo police reported that troopers from NYSP assigned to Troop T observed Crouch’s vehicle on I-90 and received help from multiple law enforcement agencies in apprehending him. Crouch is charged with the shooting death of 44-year-old Amanda Thompson on South Ogden Street shortly after midnight on Thursday.
Crime Stoppers Western New York was providing a $7,500 reward for tips that would lead to the capture or indictment of Crouch, whom they described as armed and dangerous.
Police state that Crouch had a prior “domestic relationship” with Thompson. The victim was a mother of three and a graduate of Jamestown Community College. The suspect was a graduate of Houghton University.
In May, Crouch was detained in relation to an alleged break-in at Thompson’s residence, and the Erie County District Attorney’s Office stated he was arraigned on May 20 on:
- A single charge of second-degree burglary
- A single charge of second-degree criminal possession of a firearm.
- One charge of third-degree criminal damage.
- One charge of hindering breathing or blood flow.
- One charge of jeopardizing a child’s wellbeing
- One charge of second-degree harassment
During the arraignment, the prosecutors asked for Crouch to be held in custody. Bail was established at $50,000 in cash or bond, which Crouch provided, and temporary protection orders were granted for the victims.
As per the DA, on the evening of May 20, Crouch is said to have driven past Thompson’s residence and that of a relative while being aware of violating a standing order of protection. The police were informed about the incident.
On May 23, Crouch was charged with one count of second-degree criminal contempt and one count of second-degree harassment.
“Prosecutors asked the court to set bail at $30,000 cash or bond for the criminal contempt case.”
Prosecutors asked the court to set bail at $30,000 in cash or bond for the criminal contempt case under Criminal Procedure Law 510.10(4)(t), since his purported actions caused harm to a specific individual while he was on bail for another offense that also involved harm to a specific person. Crouch was allowed to go free on his own recognizance,” the DA stated in a statement.
Authorities reported that Crouch has a prior conviction for homicide and was granted early release from parole in 2023. If you or someone you are aware of is facing domestic violence, assistance is accessible. Thompson is survived by her children, parents, friends, and neighbors. Visitation hours will be updated. Here is a compilation of nearby resources:
