Defendant Pleads Guilty for Stabbing Three Employees at Buffalo Psychiatric Center

Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that Calvin W. Haskins, 35, of Buffalo, pleaded guilty this afternoon before Erie County Court Judge James Bargnesi to two counts of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree (Class B violent felonies) and one count of Assault in the Second Degree (Class D violent felony). Haskins entered a guilty plea to the highest counts in the indictment.

On Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at approximately 9:05 a.m., the defendant intentionally stabbed three employees while inside of a housing unit for outpatient residents of the Buffalo Psychiatric Center on Forest Avenue in the City of Buffalo.

The defendant attempted to cause the death of the victim, a male employee, by stabbing him multiple times with a knife. The defendant stabbed a second victim, a female employee, as she attempted to intervene during the attack. The defendant also attempted to cause the death of a third victim, another male employee who attempted to intervene, by stabbing him multiple times.

The defendant was taken into custody by responding Buffalo Police officers. All three victims were taken by ambulance to ECMC where they received treatment for various injuries. Both male victims, who suffered serious physical injuries, were hospitalized for several days. None of the employees have returned to work, suffering from lasting impacts from their injuries.

Haskins, who has been held without bail since his arrest, faces a maximum sentence of 57 years in prison when sentenced on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. Temporary orders of protection, issued on behalf of the victims, remain in effect.

DA Keane commends Officer Tanya Felski and Officer Michael Troiano of the Buffalo Police Department for their work in this investigation.

"This was an absolutely horrific attack on three employees of the Buffalo Psychiatric Center. These employees and their families remain traumatized by this violent act perpetrated by the defendant. I hope this plea today brings some sense of closure to them and they can continue their recovery knowing he will be behind bars for many years to come." said Erie County District Attorney Mike Keane.

The case was prosecuted by Chief Danielle N. D'Abate and Assistant District Attorney Kevin L. Southern of the Felony Trials Bureau.