Jury finds Buffalo Man Guilty of Murder and Gun Charges for Fatal Shooting in City's Cold Springs Neighborhood

Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that a jury found Alfonzo D. Quinney, 49, of Buffalo, guilty of 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). Jurors rendered their decision this afternoon after approximately four hours of deliberation following a four-day trial, convicting the defendant of all counts in the indictment.

On Friday, September 6, 2024, at approximately 11:30 p.m., the defendant intentionally shot the victim with an illegal gun on the 100 block of Northland Avenue in the City of Buffalo. The victim, 28-year-old Elijah Mingo, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Quinney faces a maximum of 25 years to life in prison when he is sentenced before Erie County Court Judge Sheila A. DiTullio on Monday, November 17, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. He remains held without bail.

DA Keane commends Detective Rita Ruffin and Detective Rachael Isch of the Buffalo Police Department for their work in this investigation.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney John P. Gerken, Jr. of the Homicide Bureau and Assistant District Attorney James W. Mansour, II, of the Narcotics/Intelligence Bureau.