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Submitted by the Erie County District Attorney’s Office
Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announced Latrice T. Purdie, 30, of Buffalo, was sentenced this morning before Erie County Court Judge Kenneth Case. She received an indeterminate sentence of 18 years to life in prison.
On Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024, at approximately 6 p.m., the defendant intentionally shot the victim with an illegal gun on Wade Avenue near Holden Street in the City of Buffalo. The victim, 39-year-old Akeem Cortez, was pronounced dead at the scene.
In August 2025, Purdie pleaded guilty to one count of murder in the second degree (class A-I felony) and one count of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree (class C violent felony). She entered a guilty plea to all counts in the indictment.
Keane commends detectives Thomas Nunan and Rita Ruffin of the Buffalo Police Department for their work in this investigation.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Christopher S. Safulko of the homicide bureau and Assistant District Attorney Abbi L. Fuhrken of the special victims unit.
1859 Whitehaven Road, Grand Island, NY 14072
Phone: 716-773-7676
Fax: 716-773-7190
