Buffalo Man Sentenced in Fatal Shooting
Mikel L. Lowe received a term of 25 years to life for the murder of 36-year-old Deval Watkins.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Violence
A 32-year-old Buffalo man was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison following his conviction for second-degree murder. The sentence stems from the fatal shooting of 36-year-old Deval Watkins.
Why it matters
The sentencing concludes a legal process that began after a jury found the defendant guilty of murder and illegal weapon possession. This outcome serves as the final adjudication for the violent act that occurred in the city.
Mikel L. Lowe, age 32, received a prison sentence of 25 years to life after being convicted of second-degree murder and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon.
The players
Mikel L. Lowe
He is the 32-year-old defendant who was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to prison.
Deval Watkins
He was the 36-year-old victim who was shot and killed during the incident on William Street.
The details
The shooting took place on the 400 block of William Street near Jefferson Avenue. The defendant used an illegal handgun to kill the victim, Deval Watkins.
Timeline
The shooting occurred in April 2025.
A jury found Lowe guilty in August 2026.
The sentencing hearing took place on October 9, 2026.
Legal Context
This case follows the established statutory sentencing framework for violent felony convictions in New York. The 25 years to life sentence adheres to the mandatory legal precedents for second-degree murder in this jurisdiction.
The resolution of this case brings legal finality to a violent incident that occurred within the William-Emslie neighborhood. Residents can view this sentencing as the conclusion of the judicial process following the fatal shooting.
The takeaway
The court has finalized the punishment for this fatal incident, reflecting the seriousness of gun violence in the community. Justice has been served in accordance with state sentencing laws following the jury verdict.
Further reading
For additional context on regional public safety, visit the Buffalo Violence section.
