Buffalo man with criminal history suspected of victim's homicide two months after breaking into her home

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- A 49-year-old Buffalo man is suspected of killing a woman two months after he broke into her home with a gun and was released from custody shortly after, according to officials.

Police are looking for suspect Rickey Crouch after he allegedly shot and killed 44-year-old Amanda Thompson Thursday morning. He should be considered armed and dangerous.

During a press conference on Thursday afternoon, Buffalo Police Chief of Detectives Craig Macy said officials received a shots fired call shortly after 12 a.m. to the 600 block of Ogden Street. There, they found Thompson suffering from gunshot wounds who later succumbed to her injuries.

Officials said Crouch was previously in a "domestic relationship" with her.

In May, Crouch was arrested after breaking into Thompson's home with a gun, officials said. He was released shortly after and violated an order of protection at a later date before being released again.

In one instance, Crouch was released on his own recognizance and in another, he was released on $50,000 bail. The district attorney's office had requested that he not be released, officials said.

Acting Mayor Chris Scanlon said he has been vocal in regards to New York State's bail reform.

"I think none of us can argue that there's adjustments that need to be made to the criminal justice system here in the country," he said. "You have a district attorney's office that was asking for him, because he was obviously seen as a threat, to be held, but he wasn't and I think that's a large problem."

Officials said Crouch's criminal history ranges from a previous homicide conviction in which he was released early from parole in 2023 to a recent shots fired related incident in Cheektowaga. They are working with officials in Cheektowaga to learn more.

Crime Stoppers is offering up to $7,500 to anyone who can provide information about Crouch. The homicide occurred at 645 South Ogden Street on Thursday morning.

Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers at 716-867-6161 or Buffalo police at 716-847-2255.