Lackawanna Man Indicted for Killing His Roommate

Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that Shawn P. McDonnell, 50, of Lackawanna, was arraigned on Friday morning before State Supreme Court Justice Paul B. Wojtaszek on an indictment charging him with one count of Murder in the Second Degree (Class A-I felony) and two counts of Forcible Touching (Class A misdemeanors).

It is alleged that on Saturday, June 13, 2026, Lackawanna Police responded to a residence on Maple Street. The victim, 55-year-old Keven M. Scheuer, was found deceased inside of the home. The defendant is accused of intentionally causing the death of his roommate. The Erie County Medical Examiner's Office ruled the manner of death as homicide caused by blunt force head trauma and sharp force injury to the neck and torso.

It is further alleged that on or about Saturday, February 14, 2026, the defendant intentionally forcibly touched the sexual or other intimate parts of a female victim without their consent.

McDonnell remains held without bail. A return court date has not been scheduled at this time.

If convicted of the charge, McDonnell faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison.

DA Keane commends Detective Joseph Milkowski, Detective Michael Pienta, Officer Casey Slimak and Officer William Kukoleca of the Lackawanna Police Department for their work in this ongoing investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Justin T. Wallens of the Homicide Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Stephen C. Papia of the Special Victims Unit.

As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.