Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that Edward Harwell, 38, of Buffalo was arraigned this morning before Erie County Court Judge Susan Eagan on an indictment charging him with one count of Murder in the Second Degree (Class “A-I” felony) and two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (Class “C” violent felonies).
It is alleged that on Sunday, August 3, 2024, at approximately 1:30 p.m., Buffalo Police officers responded to a reported shooting on the 200 block of Bird Avenue. The victim, 21-year-old male Kabah Kabah, was taken by ambulance to ECMC with multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was pronounced deceased at the hospital. The defendant is accused of intentionally causing the death of the victim by shooting him with an illegal gun.
A few minutes after the initial call, a Buffalo Police officer observed a vehicle traveling eastbound on Route 198 near Delaware Park, which allegedly matched the description of the suspect vehicle that fled the area after the shooting. The officer followed the suspect vehicle as it traveled onto the Kensington Expressway, into downtown Buffalo, and onto the Route 5 Skyway. While on the top of the Skyway, the officer allegedly saw the occupants throw multiple objects, that appeared to be handguns, out of the window of the vehicle.
Officers stopped the vehicle near the Fuhrmann Boulevard exit. The driver, Edward Harwell, and two passengers were taken into custody. One of the passengers of the vehicle, a 17-year-old male, attempted to run, but was quickly apprehended. Officers allegedly recovered two loaded firearms from the vehicle’s flight path, which were submitted into evidence for further analysis.
Two co-defendants were also indicted for their alleged involvement in the crime. Mekhi J. Harwell, 21, and a 17-year-old male, both from Buffalo, were arraigned this morning before Judge Eagan. They are each charged with two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (Class “C” violent felonies).
If convicted of the highest charge, Edward Harwell faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison. The maximum sentence on the conviction of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree is up to 15 years in prison.
Acting DA Keane commends Officer Christina Colosimo and members of the Buffalo Police Department for their work in this investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Christopher S. Safulko of the Homicide Bureau.
As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.