Getaway driver sentenced for involvement in shooting that killed toddler, injured 3 others outside Ferry Grider Homes complex

Submitted by the Erie County District Attorney’s Office

Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announced 27-year-old Jonay B. Robinson of Cheektowaga was sentenced this morning before Erie County Court Judge Susan Eagan to 40 years to life in prison.

On July 5, 2021, at approximately 10:58 p.m., the defendant drove to Donovan Drive in the City of Buffalo with her boyfriend and co-defendant Dequan Richardson. When the couple arrived, Richardson exited the vehicle and fired numerous shots into a crowd of people who were gathered to watch fireworks in the courtyard of the Ferry Grider Homes housing complex. After the shooting, Robinson drove away from the area with Richardson.

Three adult males were injured in the shooting. A 27-year-old man was hit by gunfire in both legs, which required surgery. A 29-year-old victim was shot in the back. A 28-year-old man was shot in the foot. The fourth victim, 3-year-old Shaquelle Walker Jr., was hit in the head by a bullet. He was taken to Oishei Children’s Hospital where he died from his injuries on July 9, 2021.

A jury found Robinson guilty of one count of murder in the second degree (class “A-II” felony), one count of assault in the first degree (class “B” felony), two counts of assault in the second degree (class “D” felonies) and one count of count of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree (class “C” violent felony). Jurors rendered their decision after less than three hours of deliberation following a four-day trial in April 2023.

Dequan Richardson, 24, of Cheektowaga is currently serving 25 years to life in prison. He pleaded guilty to one count of murder in the second degree (class “A” felony), one count of assault in the first degree (class “B” felony), two counts of assault in the second degree (class “D” felonies) and one count of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree (class “C” violent felony). He pleaded guilty to the highest count in the indictment on March 24, 2023.

Richardson also pleaded guilty to one count of attempted robbery in the first degree (class “C” felony) and one count of unlawfully fleeing a police officer (class “A” misdemeanor) in a separate indictment. His sentence in the robbery case will be served concurrently to his sentence in the homicide case.

DA Flynn commends the Buffalo Police Department Homicide Squad for its work in this investigation, as well as the Cheektowaga Police Department for its assistance.

The case was prosecuted by Chief John P. Feroleto of the major crimes unit, Assistant District Attorney Rebecca L. Schnirel of the homicide unit, and Assistant District Attorney William Fitzgerald of the felony trials bureau.