Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 24-year-old Dequan Richardson of Cheektowaga pleaded guilty this morning before Erie County Court Judge Susan Eagan to one count of Murder in the Second Degree (Class “A” felony), one count of Assault in the First Degree (Class “B” felony), two counts of Assault in the Second Degree (Class “D” felony), and one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (Class “C” felony). The defendant pleaded guilty to the highest charge in the indictment.
On July 5, 2021, at approximately 10:58 p.m., the defendant drove to Donovan Drive in the City of Buffalo. The defendant fired numerous shots into a crowd of people, who were gathered in the courtyard of the Ferry Grider Homes housing complex to watch fireworks, before driving away from the area.
Three adult males were hit by gunfire, but survived their injuries. A 27-year-old man was hit by gunfire in both legs, which required surgery. A 29-year-old victim was shot in the back. A 28-year-old man was shot in the foot.
The fourth victim, 3-year-old Shaquelle Walker, Jr., was hit in the head by a bullet. He was taken to Oishei Children’s Hospital where he died from his injuries on July 9, 2021.
The case was prosecuted by Chief John P. Feroleto and ADA Rebecca L. Schnirel of the Major Crimes Bureau and William Fitzgerald of the Felony Trial Bureau.
The co-defendant on this case, Jonay Robinson, is scheduled to go to trial on April 13, 2023 before Judge Eagan. As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
DA Flynn commends the Buffalo Police Department Homicide Squad for their work in this case. Flynn also commends the Cheektowaga Police Department for their assistance.
On an unrelated robbery case, Richardson pleaded guilty this morning before Erie County Court Judge Susan Eagan to one count of Attempted Robbery in the First Degree (Class “C” felony) and one count of Unlawfully Fleeing a Police Officer (Class “A” misdemeanor).
Richardson faces a maximum of 25 years to life in prison when he is sentenced on both cases May 17, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. He remains remanded without bail.
This case was prosecuted by ADA John G. Schoemick of the Major Crimes Bureau.
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