(WNY News Now) – A 50-year-old Lackawanna man has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of his roommate following an investigation by the Lackawanna Police Department.
According to the Erie County District Attorney’s Office, Shawn P. McDonnell, 50, of Lackawanna, was arraigned on Sunday, June 14, 2026, in Lackawanna City Court on one count of Murder in the Second Degree, a Class A-I felony.
Prosecutors allege that McDonnell intentionally caused the death of his 55-year-old roommate inside a residence on Maple Street. Lackawanna Police responded to the home on Saturday, June 13, 2026, where the victim was found deceased.
McDonnell was arraigned before Judge Kenneth A. Szyszkowski and was held without bail. He was scheduled to return to court for a felony hearing on June 18, 2026.
If convicted, McDonnell faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison.
Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane commended Detective Joseph Milkowski, Detective Michael Pienta, Officer Casey Slimak, and Officer William Kukoleca of the Lackawanna Police Department for their work on the ongoing investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Justin T. Wallens of the Homicide Bureau.
As with all criminal cases, the charge is an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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