Buffalo man sentenced for fatal shooting in city's Cold Springs neighborhood

Submitted by the Erie County District Attorney’s Office

Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announced Alfonzo D. Quinney, 49, of Buffalo, was sentenced before Erie County Court Judge Sheila A. DiTullio. He received an indeterminate sentence of 25 years to life in prison.

On Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at approximately 11:30 p.m., the defendant intentionally shot the victim with an illegal gun on the 100 block of Northland Avenue in the City of Buffalo. The victim, 28-year-old Elijah Mingo, was pronounced dead at the scene.

In October 2025, a jury found Quinney 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 four hours of deliberation following a four-day trial, convicting the defendant of all counts in the indictment.

“Elijah Mingo was a truly innocent victim of a senseless crime,” Keane said. “He was attending a party with his coworkers when the defendant approached the group and ended his young life. There was overwhelming evidence in this case, which resulted in a jury finding him guilty of all charges.

“I hope that Elijah’s family feels justice has been served with this defendant receiving the maximum term of incarceration for his murder. They remain in my thoughts and prayers as they continue to grieve and heal.”

Keane commends Det. Rita Ruffin and Det. Rachael Isch of the Buffalo Police Department for their work in this investigation, as well as victim advocates Kimberly Rapp and Nicole Haffa.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney John P. Gerken Jr. of the homicide bureau and Assistant District Attorney James W. Mansour II of the narcotics/intelligence bureau.