Lackawanna Man Arraigned for Killing His Roommate

Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that Shawn P. McDonnell, 50, of Lackawanna, was arraigned on Sunday afternoon before Lackawanna City Court Judge Kenneth A. Szyszkowski on one count of Murder in the Second Degree (Class A-I felony).

It is alleged that on Saturday, June 13, 2026, Lackawanna Police responded to a residence on Maple Street. The victim, a 55-year-old male, was found deceased inside of the home. The defendant is accused of intentionally causing the death of his roommate.

McDonnell is scheduled to return for a felony hearing on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. He was held without bail.

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

DA Keane commends Detective Joseph Milkowski, Detective Michael Pienta, Officer Casey Slimak and Officer William Kukoleca of the Lackawanna Police Department for their work in this ongoing investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Justin T. Wallens 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.