Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 41-year-old Joel Coleman of Buffalo has been arraigned before State Supreme Court Justice Betty Calvo Torres on an indictment charging him with one count of Murder in the Second Degree (Class “A-I” felony), one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (Class “C” violent felony) and one count of Menacing in the Second Degree (Class “A” misdemeanor). His co-defendant, 22-year-old Azaliyah A. Serrano of Kenmore, was indicted on one count of Assault in the Second Degree (Class “D” felony). Both defendants were arraigned on Thursday, December 22, 2022.

It is alleged that on September 20, 2022, at approximately 5:15am, defendant Coleman intentionally caused the death of the victim by shooting him with an illegal firearm inside of a residence on the 400 block of Jefferson Avenue in the City of Buffalo. The victim, 34-year-old Nicholas D. Petroski, died at the scene.

It is further alleged that during the commission of the crime, defendant Coleman placed another victim in reasonable fear of physical injury by displaying what appeared to be a firearm. Defendant Serrano is accused of intentionally causing physical injury to the female victim by pouring bleach on her. 

Coleman and Serrano were held without bail. A return court date has not been scheduled at this time.

If convicted of the highest charge, Coleman faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison. If convicted of the charge, Serrano faces a maximum sentence of 7 years in prison.  

DA Flynn commends the Buffalo Police Department 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.