Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that a jury has found 27-year-old Jonay Robinson of Cheektowaga guilty of one count of Murder in the Second Degree (Class “A-II” felony), one count of Assault in the First Degree (Class “B” felony), two counts of Assault in the Second Degree (Class “D” felonies) and one count of count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (Class “C” violent felony). Jurors rendered their decision this afternoon after nearly three hours of deliberation following a four-day trial.
On July 5, 2021, at approximately 10:58 p.m., the defendant drove to Donovan Drive in the City of Buffalo with co-defendant Dequan Richardson. Richardson exited the vehicle and fired numerous shots into a crowd of people who were gathered in the courtyard of the Ferry Grider Homes housing complex to watch fireworks. After the shooting, Robinson drove the gunman away from the area.
Three adult males were injured in the shooting. 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.
Robinson faces a maximum of 25 years to life in prison when she is sentenced before Erie County Court Judge Susan Eagan on Tuesday, June 6, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. She continues to be held without bail.
On March 24, 2023, Dequan Richardson, 24, of Cheektowaga pleaded guilty before Judge 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” felonies) and one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (Class “C” violent felony). He pleaded guilty to the highest charge in the indictment.
Richardson also faces a maximum of 25 years to life in prison when he is sentenced on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. He remains held without bail.
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.
The case was prosecuted by Chief John P. Feroleto of the Major Crimes Unit, Assistant District Attorney Rebecca L. Schnirel of the Homicide Unit and Assistant District Attorney William Fitzgerald of the Felony Trials Bureau.