Man Admits to Intentionally Killing Victim with SUV in Niagara Falls Street

A Buffalo man pleaded guilty to killing a Niagara Falls resident by deliberately running him over several times with an SUV last October.

Patrick J. Washington III, 20, entered a guilty plea to first-degree manslaughter during a hearing in Niagara County Court on Monday. His admission stems from the death of 26-year-old Xavier T. Gober, who was fatally struck on Hyde Park Boulevard in the early morning hours of October 15th, 2024.

Washington now faces a potential prison sentence of up to 25 years when he is sentenced this September.

Initially indicted by a Niagara County grand jury on charges of second-degree murder and leaving the scene of a fatal crash, Washington had previously pleaded not guilty and has remained in custody without bail.

According to police reports, officers responded to a call around 2:30am about a pedestrian hit by a vehicle in the vicinity of 287 Hyde Park Boulevard. Upon arrival, they discovered Gober lying in the roadway, unresponsive.

Emergency personnel attempted lifesaving measures, but Gober was pronounced dead at the scene.

Witnesses told investigators that Gober had been involved in an altercation with several individuals shortly before the fatal incident.

He was reportedly left injured and lying in the street when Washington, in a black 2009 Ford Escape, intentionally drove over him.

Investigators recovered cell phone footage showing the SUV running over Gober, reversing, and then driving over him again.

The suspect fled the scene, but the vehicle was later located on Royal Avenue. Washington was taken into custody and has remained behind bars since.

Man Admits to Intentionally Killing Victim with SUV in Niagara Falls Street