Man accused of shooting, killing ex-girlfriend facing new charges
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- A man accused of shooting and killing his ex-girlfriend after being released from custody twice is facing new charges in connection with three separate incidents at the victim's home leading up to her death, Erie County District Attorney Mike Keane said during a press conference on Wednesday.
Rickey Crouch, 49, was indicted on nine counts after he allegedly shot and killed 44-year-old Amanda Thompson in the early morning hours of July 17.
In the first incident, Crouch is accused of breaking into Thompson's home on April 12 at 645 South Ogden St. Keane said Crouch entered the home through a rear bedroom window where Thompson's 14-year-old son was home alone. He allegedly took property without incident before returning again, kicking in the door and physically confronting the 14-year-old.
Crouch had previously been living in the home. No charges were pursued. He faces second-degree burglary and endangering the welfare of a child.
In the second incident a little over a month later, Thompson was talking with Crouch outside of the home on the evening of May 19. Her 13-year-old daughter and 10-year-old daughter were inside the home at the time.
Crouch allegedly kicked in the door after Thompson ran inside and locked it. He then pushed her onto the couch and demanded he give her his phone in front of the children, Keane said. An illegal, loaded pistol was recovered following a police chase.
He was charged with burglary and criminal possession of a firearm. The District Attorney's Office asked the judge for him to be remanded, but bail was posted the same day and he was released.
Less than two months later, Thompson was shot and killed at her home on July 17. She was sitting on the porch with her adult daughter when Crouch allegedly shot her in the neck and chest and she died at the scene.
When asked about bail reform, Keane said the same case could have happened ten years ago, "long before bail reform."
"Our office and every office in New York State would go in front of a judge on violent crimes, before and after bail reform," he said. "We would ask for remand and the judge has the discretion and the responsibility to make a decision about bail, and that's what happened in this case."
Keane cited a previous murder conviction for Crouch's first-degree murder charge. He also faces second-degree murder, second-degree criminal possession of a weapon and aggravated criminal contempt following Thompson's death.
The motive was violence, Keane said.
"Domestic violence is a significant issue in this community and across this nation and that's what this case was about," he said.
Crouch was arraigned at the Erie County Medical Center. He is expected to return to court Sept. 3.
Watch Wednesday's full press conference in the video player above.
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Kayleigh Hunter-Gasperini joined the News 4 team in 2024 as a Digital Video Producer. She is a graduate of Chatham University.