A Buffalo man faces up to 25 years to life in prison after being convicted of murder and illegal firearm possession in a high-profile case that gripped the city.
In a significant verdict, a jury has found Jonathan Whitsett, 39, of Buffalo, guilty of Murder in the Second Degree and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree. The decision came after approximately five hours of deliberation, concluding a six-day trial.
The incident occurred on June 18, 2022, around 11:40 p.m., when Whitsett shot 36-year-old William P. Cobb III with an illegal firearm inside his vehicle on Manhattan Avenue in Buffalo. Cobb was transported to ECMC in a private vehicle, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announced the conviction, highlighting the diligent work of the Buffalo Police Department. Detectives Adam Stephany, Mark Constantino, Michelle Palamara, Lieutenant Mark Goodspeed, and Officer Brendan Barren were commended for their investigative efforts.
Chief Eugene T. Partridge III of the Major Crimes Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Kevin R. Brown of the Felony Trials Bureau prosecuted the case.
Whitsett is scheduled for sentencing on July 24, 2024, before State Supreme Court Justice M. William Boller. He remains held without bail.
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