Jury finds Buffalo man guilty for murdering victim during robbery outside of gas station in city's Delavan-Grider neighborhood

Submitted by the Erie County District Attorney’s Office

Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announced a jury has found 28-year-old Daiquin Gray of Buffalo guilty of one count of murder in the second degree (class “A-I” felony), one count of robbery in the first degree (class “B” violent 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 two hours of deliberation following a four-day trial.

On April 24, 2021, at approximately 6:09 p.m., the defendant and another individual approached the victim from behind with the intent to commit a robbery. The crime occurred as the victim was pumping gas into his vehicle at a gas station on East Delavan Avenue and Grider Street in the City of Buffalo.

The defendant intentionally fired multiple shots at the victim during the commission of the robbery. The victim attempted to flee the attack, but collapsed nearby. When the victim fell to the ground, the defendant stole the victim’s gold chain necklace from his neck. The victim, 38-year-old Marcques Robinson of Buffalo, died from his injuries.

Gray faces a maximum of 40 years to life in prison when he is sentenced before State Supreme Court Justice M. William Boller on Friday, May 26. He continues to be held without bail.

His co-defendant, 33-year-old Corey J. Bell of Buffalo, pleaded guilty to one count of robbery in the first degree (class “B” violent felony) on Nov. 1, 2022. Bell faces a maximum of 25 years in prison when he is sentenced on Friday, May 12. He also remains held without bail.

DA Flynn commends Det. Mark Costantino and officer Daniel Dustin of the Buffalo Police Department for their work in this investigation.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Ryan D. Haggerty of the homicide unit and Chief John P. Gerken Jr. of the narcotics/intelligence unit.