Buffalo Shooting Leaves One Dead, Another Hospitalized in Stable Condition, Police Say
Buffalo, New York —
A quiet evening in Buffalo turned into a scene of chaos and heartbreak late Friday night when a shooting left one man dead and another hospitalized in what authorities describe as a targeted act of violence. The incident occurred shortly before 11:30 p.m. near the intersection of Fillmore Avenue and East Ferry Street, an area that has seen increased police patrols in recent months due to reports of gun-related activity.
When Buffalo Police Department officers arrived on scene after receiving multiple 911 calls about shots fired, they discovered two male victims suffering from gunshot wounds. One of the victims, later identified as 28-year-old Marcus “M.J.” Turner, was found unresponsive near a parked vehicle. Officers and paramedics immediately attempted lifesaving measures, but Turner was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The second victim, identified as 24-year-old Andre Collins, was found a few feet away with gunshot injuries to his upper body. Collins was transported to Erie County Medical Center, where he underwent emergency surgery and remains in stable condition, according to hospital officials.
Police say early evidence suggests that the victims were standing outside near a corner store when an unidentified suspect approached on foot and opened fire before fleeing the scene. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses is currently being reviewed, and detectives have canvassed the neighborhood for witnesses who may have seen the suspect or a getaway vehicle.
Captain Rebecca Hollis, speaking on behalf of the Buffalo Police Department, described the ongoing investigation as “active and urgent.”
“We’re working around the clock to determine what led to this tragic event,” Hollis said. “We believe this was not random. We’re asking anyone who may have been in the area between 11:00 and midnight to contact detectives. Even the smallest detail can make a difference.”
Family members of Marcus Turner, who grew up in Buffalo’s East Side, described him as a hardworking and kindhearted man who recently began a new job at a local construction firm. Turner, a father of two young children, was known for his easygoing nature and his dedication to his family.
“He wasn’t in trouble, he just wanted to work and be a dad,” said his older sister, Shanice Turner. “He was at the wrong place at the wrong time.”
Andre Collins, the surviving victim, is a childhood friend of Turner’s. The two had reportedly been spending the evening together catching up after several months apart. Collins’s family shared that he is expected to make a full recovery, though emotionally he is “devastated” by the loss of his friend.
Residents in the neighborhood say the shooting has reignited conversations about community safety and gun violence prevention in Buffalo.
“We keep losing our young men,” said local activist Tyrone Wells, who lives a few blocks from the scene. “This isn’t just numbers on a report — these are people who matter.”
Police have not released a suspect description publicly, citing the sensitivity of the investigation. However, authorities confirmed that multiple shell casings were recovered from the street, suggesting the use of a semi-automatic handgun. The Erie County Medical Examiner’s Office will perform an autopsy to determine the exact cause and manner of Turner’s death.
Community members gathered Saturday evening at the site of the shooting, leaving candles, flowers, and handwritten notes beneath a streetlight. Friends of Marcus Turner stood together in silence as music played softly in the background.
Mayor Byron Brown issued a statement Saturday morning, expressing condolences to the families involved and reaffirming the city’s commitment to addressing violent crime.
“Our hearts go out to the victims and their loved ones,” the statement read. “We are continuing to invest in community programs and partnerships with law enforcement to ensure Buffalo remains a safe city for all residents.”
As detectives continue to investigate, anyone with information is urged to contact the Buffalo Police Department’s Homicide Unit at (716) 847-5333 or submit tips anonymously through Buffalo Crime Stoppers.
The community of Buffalo now mourns another life cut short — a reminder of how quickly moments of normalcy can turn into tragedy, and how deeply each loss reverberates beyond the crime scene.