Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 22-year-old Dequan I. Richardson and 25-year-old Jonay B. Robinson of Cheektowaga were arraigned this morning before Erie County Court judge Susan Eagan on an indictment charging them each with the following offenses:

• Two counts of Murder in the Second Degree (Class “A-II” felonies)
• Two counts of Assault in the First Degree (Class “B” felonies)
• One count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (Class “C” felony)
• Two counts of Assault in the Second Degree (Class “D” felonies)
• One count of Criminal Possession of a Firearm (Class “E” felony)
• Two counts of Assault in the Third Degree (Class “A” misdemeanors)

It is alleged that on July 5, 2021, at approximately 10:58 p.m., the defendants drove to Donovan Drive in the City of Buffalo. The defendants, while acting in concert with one another, are accused of firing 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.

It is further alleged that on the afternoon of July 6, 2021, a search warrant was executed at the defendants’ residence on Slate Creek Drive in the Town of Cheektowaga as part of the investigation into the shooting on Donovan Drive. Investigators allegedly found an illegal pistol and a rifle inside their shared apartment.

The defendants were also accused of possessing a controlled substance with intent to sell after the search allegedly uncovered a quantity of suspected cocaine. A test determined that the suspected cocaine was not a controlled substance.

Richardson and Robinson are scheduled to return on Tuesday, September 21, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. for further proceedings. Both defendants were remanded without bail.

If convicted of all charges, Richardson and Robinson face a maximum of 25 years to life in prison.   

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

The case is being prosecuted by Chief John P. Feroleto and Assistant District Attorney Brian D. Langenfeld of the Tactical Prosecution Unit.  

Dequan Richardson was also arraigned this morning on a separate indictment charging him with one count of Attempted Robbery in the First Degree (Class “C” felony) and one count of Unlawful Fleeing a Police Officer in a Motor Vehicle in the Third Degree (Class “A” misdemeanor).

It is alleged that on January 10, 2021, at approximately 1:05 a.m., the defendant, while driving a vehicle, displayed what appeared to be a pistol and attempted to steal property from a pedestrian on Suffolk Street and Kensington Avenue. The defendant allegedly fled before taking the property from the victim.

A short time later, Buffalo Police observed a vehicle matching the description of the vehicle used in the reported attempted robbery on Suffolk Street near the entrance to Route 33. The officers attempted to initiate a traffic stop with lights and sirens activated, but the defendant allegedly refused to pull over for approximately 10 minutes. The defendant allegedly did stop on Marion Street near Bridgeman Street after the pursuit where he was taken into custody.

Richardson is also scheduled to return on the second indictment on September 21, 2021.

If convicted on all charges in the attempted robbery case, Richardson faces a maximum of 15 years in prison.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney John G. Schoemick of the Felony Trials Bureau.

As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Anyone with information on this crime or other shootings in the City of Buffalo is encouraged to call or text the Buffalo Police Department TIP CALL line (716-847-2255) or contact the Erie County District Attorney’s Office by calling 716-858-2424.