Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 37-year-old Jonathan Whitsett of Buffalo was arraigned this morning before Erie County Court Judge James Bargnesi on an indictment charging him with one count of Murder in the Second Degree (Class “A-II” felony) and one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (Class “C” violent felony).

It is alleged that on June 18, 2022, at approximately 11:40 p.m., the defendant intentionally shot his boyfriend with an illegal gun. The crime occurred inside of the defendant’s vehicle, which was parked on Bailey Avenue near Berkshire Avenue in the City of Buffalo. The victim, 36-year-old William P. Cobb, III, was transported in another private vehicle to ECMC where he later died from his injuries. 

Whitsett was held without bail. A return court date has not been scheduled at this time.

If convicted of the highest charge, Whitsett faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison.

DA Flynn commends the Buffalo Police Department Homicide Squad for their work in this investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Eugene T. Partridge, III 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.