Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that Mikel L. Lowe, 31, of Buffalo, was arraigned this afternoon before Erie County Court Judge Susan Eagan on an indictment charging him with one count of Murder in the Second Degree (Class “A-I” felony) and one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (Class “C” violent felony).
It is alleged that on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at approximately 1:30 a.m., the defendant intentionally shot the victim with an illegal handgun in a parking lot on the 400 block of William Street near Jefferson Avenue in the City of Buffalo. The victim, 36-year-old Deval Watkins, died at the scene.
Lowe was held without bail. A return court date has not been scheduled at this time.
If convicted of the highest charge, Lowe faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison.
DA Keane commends Detective Mark Costantino of the Buffalo Police Department for his work in this investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Christopher S. Safulko of the Homicide Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Natasha G. Greenan of the Vehicular Crimes Bureau.
As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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