Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 24-year-old Dequan Richardson of Cheektowaga was sentenced this morning before Erie County Court Judge Susan Eagan to 25 years to life in prison.

On July 5, 2021, at approximately 10:58 p.m., the defendant, driven by co-defendant Jonay Robinson, went to Donovan Drive in the City of Buffalo. After arriving at the Ferry Grider Homes housing complex, Richardson exited the vehicle and intentionally fired numerous shots into a crowd of people who were gathered in the courtyard to watch fireworks. After the shooting, Richardson fled the area in Robinson’s vehicle.

Three adult males were injured in the shooting. 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.

Richardson pleaded guilty to one count of Murder in the Second Degree (Class “A” felony), one count of Assault in the First Degree (Class “B” felony), two counts of Assault in the Second Degree (Class “D” felonies) and one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (Class “C” violent felony). He pleaded guilty to the highest count in the indictment on March 24, 2023.

Richardson also pleaded guilty to one count of Attempted Robbery in the First Degree (Class “C” felony) and one count of Unlawfully Fleeing a Police Officer (Class “A” misdemeanor) in a separate indictment. His sentence on the robbery case will be served concurrently to his sentence in the homicide case.

A jury found his co-defendant, 27-year-old Jonay Robinson of Cheektowaga, guilty of one count of Murder in the Second Degree (Class “A-II” felony), one count of Assault in the First Degree (Class “B” felony), two counts of Assault in the Second Degree (Class “D” felonies) and one count of count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (Class “C” violent felony). Jurors rendered their decision after less than three hours of deliberation following a four-day trial.

Robinson faces a maximum of 25 years to life in prison when she is sentenced before Erie County Court Judge Susan Eagan on Tuesday, June 6, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. She continues to be held without bail.

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

The case was prosecuted by Chief John P. Feroleto of the Major Crimes Unit, Assistant District Attorney Rebecca L. Schnirel of the Homicide Unit and Assistant District Attorney William Fitzgerald of the Felony Trials Bureau. The robbery case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney John G. Schoemick of the Major Crimes Bureau.