Defendant Receives Maximum Sentence for Fatal Shooting in Buffalo's William-Emslie Neighborhood

Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that Mikel L. Lowe, 32, of Buffalo, was sentenced yesterday afternoon before State Supreme Court Justice Paul B. Wojtaszek to 25 years to life in prison.

On Saturday, April 19, 2025, at approximately 1:30 a.m., the defendant intentionally shot the victim with an illegal handgun in a parking lot on the 400 block of William Street near Jefferson Avenue in the City of Buffalo. The victim, 36-year-old Deval Watkins, died at the scene.

In August 2026, a jury found Lowe guilty of one count of Murder in the Second Degree (Class A-I felony) and one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (Class C violent felony). Jurors rendered their decision after approximately 10 hours of deliberation following a five-day trial, convicting the defendant of all counts in the indictment.

DA Keane commends Detective Mark Costantino and Detective Joseph Ruggiero of the Buffalo Police Department for their work in this investigation.

The case was prosecuted by Chief Christopher S. Safulko of the Major Crimes Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Taylor L. Yensan of the Felony Trials Bureau.