SLOAN, N.Y. — A legal resolution has been reached in a case involving a shooting last year that left a 2-year-old child with a gunshot wound. Marcus Oluwa, Jr., 21, pleaded guilty on Thursday in Erie County Court, according to an announcement from the Erie County District Attorney’s Office.
Marcus Oluwa, Jr. Pleads Guilty to Weapon Charges
Oluwa admitted guilt to one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 2nd Degree and one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 3rd Degree. The charges stem from an investigation into a violent domestic incident and the subsequent discovery of illegal firearms.
The July Shooting Incident and Investigation
The case dates back to Saturday, July 20, 2024, when a domestic dispute occurred inside a residence on Lackawanna Avenue in Sloan. Acting District Attorney Michael Keane reported that 19-year-old Shannon O. Rose fired a weapon through a door during the confrontation. The bullet ricocheted, striking a 2-year-old toddler in an adjacent room. Investigators ultimately determined that Rose fired the weapon in self-defense during the incident.
Sentencing and Legal Outcomes
While the shooting was ruled an act of self-defense, the possession of the firearm remained illegal. Shannon O. Rose pleaded guilty on August 28 to one count of Criminal Possession of a Firearm and was sentenced on October 24 to 364 days in jail.
The investigation into Marcus Oluwa, Jr. extended beyond the Sloan residence. Oluwa was also indicted for possessing an illegal handgun equipped with a high-capacity magazine at a separate location in Buffalo. The legal status of both defendants is summarized below:
| Defendant | Primary Charge | Sentencing Status |
|---|---|---|
| Shannon O. Rose | Criminal Possession of a Firearm | Sentenced to 364 days in jail |
| Marcus Oluwa, Jr. | Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd & 3rd Degree | Sentencing scheduled for July 15 |
Next Steps for Oluwa
Marcus Oluwa faces a maximum potential sentence of up to 15 years in prison for his role and the additional weapon discovery in Buffalo. His sentencing is currently scheduled for Wednesday, July 15. He remains released on bail, which was previously set at $100 cash or bond.
William Strasmore is a dedicated news reporter for the Lake Erie Times, providing in-depth coverage of community affairs and the Western New York judicial system. For more investigative reporting on local issues, visit his author page.
Disclaimer: The information provided by Lake Erie Times is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional legal or financial advice.
