In the late autumn of 2015, a dispute over money between friends in Buffalo, New York, escalated into a fatal act of violence that claimed the life of 42-year-old Antoin Vance. The male victim was inside his home at 302 Purdy Street on November 29th when he was shot and killed. The incident also resulted in the injury of his 24-year-old niece, Dominique Jackson, who was an innocent bystander in the tragic event.
The man responsible for the shooting was identified as 20-year-old Leonard
Robinson, also known as 'POODER.' Believing that Vance had accused him of stealing money and after allegedly receiving threatening calls and texts, Robinson went to Vance's home. In a violent outburst, he opened fire, killing Vance and wounding Jackson. Immediately following the shooting, Robinson fled the scene in a car, his escape marked by a dramatic crash as he drove off Humboldt Parkway and landed upside down on the lower section of the Kensington Expressway. He managed to leave the scene of the accident and successfully evaded capture for a month.
The search for Robinson spanned across the country, culminating in his apprehension in Los Angeles, California, on December 29, 2015. His capture was the result of a coordinated effort between the U.S. Marshals Service and the Buffalo Police Department. Following his extradition back to Buffalo, Robinson faced charges of Murder in the Second Degree, Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree.
In June 2016, Leonard Robinson pleaded guilty to one count of Murder in the Second Degree. During sentencing, the judge described Robinson's explanation for his actions as 'ridiculous.' Despite a brief apology from Robinson to the victim's family, he was sentenced to 18 years to life in prison for the murder of his friend, Antoin Vance.
