Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that 31-year-old Dale O. Cummings of no permanent address was arraigned this morning before Erie County Court Judge Sheila A. DiTillio on an indictment charging him with one count of Murder in the First Degree, two counts of Murder in the Second Degree (Class “A-I” felonies) and one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (Class “C” violent felony) and one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree (Class “D” felony).
It is alleged that on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at approximately 12:30 p.m., Buffalo Police responded to a reported shooting on the 100 block of Zenner Street. Two victims, 59-year-old Babul Meah and 39-year-old Abu Yousuf, were fatally injured by gunfire.
The defendant, who was allegedly illegally occupying the vacant residence, is accused of intentionally shooting the victims with an illegal gun. Both victims, who were working as handymen, were shot as they entered the property to perform repairs at the house.
It is alleged that on Sunday, April 28, 2024, at approximately 6:17 p.m., Buffalo Police found the defendant in possession of an illegal, loaded gun in the area of East Delavan and Norfolk Avenues. The weapon was submitted into evidence for further analysis.
Cummings is scheduled to return on Thursday, June 27, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. for a pre-trial conference. He remains held without bail.
If convicted of the highest charge, Cummings faces a maximum sentence of life in prison without parole.
Acting DA Keane commends the Buffalo Police Department Homicide Squad and SWAT Unit for their work in this investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Christopher S. Safulko and Chief Gary W. Hackbush 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.