Buffalo man sentenced for killing robbery victim outside of gas station in Delavan-Grider neighborhood

Submitted by the Erie County District Attorney’s Office

Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announced 28-year-old Daiquin Gray of Buffalo was sentenced this morning before State Supreme Court Justice M. William Boller to 32 years to life in prison.

On April 24, 2021, at approximately 6:09 p.m., the defendant 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.

Gray 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.

A jury found Gray 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) on April 21, 2023. Jurors rendered their decision after approximately two hours of deliberation following a four-day trial.

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) for his role in the crime. Bell was sentenced to five years in prison followed by five years of post-release supervision.

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.