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By the Erie County District Attorney’s Office
Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announced Tuesday a jury found Joel Coleman, 42, of Buffalo guilty of one count of murder in the second degree (class “A-I” felony), one count of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree (class “C” violent felony), and one count of menacing in the second degree (class “A” misdemeanor). Jurors rendered their decision yesterday morning after approximately three hours of deliberation following a two-week trial, convicting the defendant of all counts in the indictment.
On Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022, at approximately 5:15 a.m., the defendant intentionally caused the death of 34-year-old Nicholas D. Petroski by shooting him with an illegal gun. The crime occurred inside of the victim’s residence on the 400 block of Jefferson Avenue in the City of Buffalo. Petroski, who was shot once in the neck, died at the scene. The defendant pointed the gun at a second victim, which placed the victim in reasonable fear of physical injury.
A co-defendant was indicted for assaulting the second surviving victim during the commission of the crime. Azaliyah A. Serrano, 24, of Kenmore pleaded guilty, as charged, to one count of assault in the second degree (class “D” felony). In July 2023, Serrano received a determinate sentence of two years in prison.
Coleman faces a maximum of 25 years to life in prison when he is sentenced before Erie County Court Judge Sheila A. DiTullio on Thursday, Nov. 7. He remains held without bail.
Keane commends Det. Mark White and Det. Scott Malec of the Buffalo Police Department for their work in this investigation.
The case was prosecuted by Chief Eugene T. Partridge III of the major crimes bureau and Assistant District Attorney Briana R.D. Kalman of the narcotics/intelligence bureau.