Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 22-year-old Joshua E. Wilson of Buffalo has been virtually arraigned before State Supreme Court Justice M. William Boller on an indictment charging him with on one count of Murder in the Second Degree, a Class “A-1” felony. The defendant was arraigned on Wednesday, August 12, 2020.

It is alleged that on May 4, 2020, at approximately 11:00 p.m., the defendant killed 71-year-old Diane M. Wolfe inside her Yorkshire Avenue home in the Town of Tonawanda by beating her to death with a gardening tool. It is further alleged that the defendant stole the victim’s vehicle and other items from the home.

Wilson is scheduled to return on Tuesday, September 1, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. for motions. He remains held without bail.  

If convicted on the charge, he faces a maximum of 25 years to life in prison.

DA Flynn commends the detectives from the Town of Tonawanda Police Department for their work in the investigation. DA Flynn also commends the U.S. Marshals Service, Utica Police Department, Buffalo Police Department, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection for their assistance.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Eugene T. Partridge, III of the DA’s Homicide Bureau.

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