Two Women Arraigned for Stabbing Three Victims at Walden Galleria

Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that Lakeya N. Richerson, 22, of Buffalo, and Joshalyn S. Paul, 21, of Buffalo, were arraigned on Saturday morning before Cheektowaga Town Court Justice John J. Wanat. Richerson and Paul have each been charged with three counts of Assault in the Second Degree (Class D violent felonies) and one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree (Class A misdemeanor).

It is alleged that on Friday, February 13, 2026, at approximately 7:14 p.m., the defendants, while acting in concert with one another, caused physical injuries to three victims during an altercation inside of the Walden Galleria in the Town of Cheektowaga. The three female victims were taken by ambulance to ECMC where they were treated for various stab wounds.

Richerson and Paul are scheduled to return for a felony hearing on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. Both defendants have been released on bail set at $10,000 cash or bond.

If convicted of the highest charge, Richerson and Paul face a maximum sentence of 7 years in prison.

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

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Kevin L. Southern and Assistant District Attorney Peter M. Pinelli of the Felony Trials Bureau as well as Assistant District Attorney Kathryn E. Lawrence of the Justice Courts Bureau.

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