Gunman Pleads Guilty Ahead of Trial for Killing His Brother

Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that Jerome A. Cole, 28, of Buffalo, pleaded guilty this afternoon before Erie County Court Judge Suzanne Maxwell Barnes to one count of Manslaughter in the First Degree (Class B violent felony). Cole pleaded guilty to the lesser included offense of the top count of the indictment as jury selection was underway in his trial.

On Monday, July 11, 2022, at approximately 1:30 a.m., the defendant caused the death of his brother by shooting him with an illegal weapon. The crime occurred at the victim's residence on Thatcher Avenue in the City of Buffalo. The victim, 35-year-old Marcus Cole, was taken by ambulance to ECMC where he later died.

Cole faces a maximum of 25 years in prison when he is sentenced on Monday, May 4, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. He continues to be held without bail.

DA Keane commends the Buffalo Police Department for their work in this investigation.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Frank A. Strano of the Homicide Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Rebecca A. Fioravanti of the Special Victims Unit with the assistance of Chief Rebecca L. Schnirel of the Felony Trials Bureau.