North Tonawanda Man, 20, Faces Murder Charge in Youth Part Court

A 20-year-old man from North Tonawanda is facing charges tied to the 2021 fatal shooting of a 19-year-old in Buffalo, according to the Erie County District Attorney’s Office.

District Attorney Michael J. Keane announced that the defendant appeared this afternoon before Youth Part Judge Brenda Freedman where he was arraigned on an indictment charging him with second-degree murder (Class A-I felony) and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon (Class C violent felony).

Prosecutors noted that because the individual was 16 years old at the time of the crime, his name is not being disclosed while the case proceeds in Family Court, where the youth part is located.

The shooting occurred around 1pm on October 5th, 2021, on the 100 block of Laird Avenue in Buffalo. Prosecutors allege the defendant deliberately shot 19-year-old Donovan M. Miller with an illegal firearm. Miller was declared dead at the scene.

The case is moving forward with a pre-trial conference scheduled for September 26th. The defendant remains held without bail. If convicted of the top count, he could face 25 years to life in prison.

Keane praised the efforts of Detective Judy Walker of the Buffalo Police Department Homicide Unit for her investigative work.

It is unknown at this time if the District Attorney's Office will move to transfer the case from family court to County Court where the defendant would be tried as an adult.

North Tonawanda Man, 20, Faces Murder Charge in Youth Part Court