Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that 27-year-old William Quinones of Buffalo was arraigned this morning before State Supreme Court Justice M. Willam Boller on an indictment charging him with one count of Murder in the Second Degree (Class “A-I” felony) and one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (Class “C” violent felony).
It is alleged that on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at approximately 1:15 a.m., Buffalo Police responded to a tavern on the 1500 block of Hertel Avenue following a report that a male had been shot. The victim, 46-year-old Madjid Elbert, was pronounced dead at ECMC. The defendant is accused of intentionally shooting the victim with an illegal weapon, which resulted in his death.
Quinones is scheduled to return on Friday, July 12, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. before State Supreme Court Justice Paul Wojtaszek for a pre-trial conference. He was held without bail.
If convicted of the highest charge, Quinones faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison.
Acting DA Keane commends 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.