Niagara County: Man pleads guilty to manslaughter, robbery

Submitted by the Niagara County District Attorney’s Office

Niagara County District Attorney Brian D. Seaman announced Rohmelo K. Lewis, age 24, of Niagara Falls, plead guilty in County Court this week to the crimes of manslaughter in the first degree, robbery in the first degree, and criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree. Lewis admitted to killing Herbert Horton, age 55, who had recently relocated to Niagara Falls, in the course of a robbery on May 3, 2022. The plea came on the eve of a trial where Lewis faced charges of Horton’s murder as well as other robberies that occurred in the days preceding. 

Two of Lewis’ accomplices in the robbery string previously entered guilty pleas. Isaiah J. Christian, age 21, previously plead guilty to manslaughter in the first degree and robbery in the first degree and awaits sentencing. Shawn Bomberry, age 20, who was not involved in the incident resulting in Horton’s death, plead guilty to attempted robbery in the second degree and is currently serving a State Prison sentence.

“This defendant is the third to plead guilty to violent felony charges for this robbery spree,” Seaman said. “The pleas bring closure to Mr. Horton’s family and remove three violent criminals from our streets.” 

County Court Judge Caroline A. Wojtaszek committed to sentence Lewis to 25 years in prison when he returns to court on July 5.

The case was investigated by the Niagara Falls Police Department and prosecuted by First Assistant District Attorney Doreen Hoffmann and Assistant District Attorney Christine Savoia.