Justice Served: Buffalo Man Sentenced to Decades for Fatal 2020 Robbery-Murder

In a somber courtroom in Buffalo, a 22-year-old man, Jalen E. Gillon, was handed a significant prison sentence this week, marking a definitive chapter in a tragic 2020 murder case that shook the community. Gillon was sentenced to 23 years to life in state prison for the fatal shooting of 29-year-old Joshua Miller during a botched robbery attempt.

The sentencing, delivered by Erie County Court Justice Deborah A.

Haendiges, brings a measure of closure to a case that saw Gillon convicted of second-degree murder and attempted first-degree robbery. The grim events unfolded on the evening of June 29, 2020, when Gillon, then 19, confronted Miller with the intent to rob him of marijuana.

According to prosecutors, the situation quickly escalated into a deadly confrontation.

Gillon opened fire on Miller, who, despite being gravely wounded, attempted to flee the scene. Tragically, Miller collapsed and died shortly after, his life cut short by the violent encounter. Assistant District Attorney Ryan D. Hagan, who prosecuted the case, minced no words in describing Gillon’s actions, asserting that he "executed" Miller, painting a stark picture of the brutality involved.

During the proceedings, defense attorney Joseph J.

LaTona sought to contextualize Gillon's actions, emphasizing his client's youth at the time of the crime. LaTona suggested that Gillon had been influenced by an older accomplice, Derrick C. Miller, 31, who has since pleaded guilty to attempted robbery in connection with the same incident. This narrative aimed to portray Gillon as a young man caught in a destructive situation, potentially swayed by others.

In a moment of reflection, Jalen Gillon himself expressed remorse for his role in Joshua Miller’s death.

While his words could not undo the profound loss, they offered a glimpse into the internal struggle of a young man now facing decades behind bars for a decision that forever altered multiple lives.

The sentencing ensures that Gillon will spend a minimum of 23 years incarcerated before becoming eligible for parole, a stark reminder of the severe consequences of violent crime.

Justice Haendiges’s ruling underscores the court's commitment to holding individuals accountable for their actions, even as it acknowledges the complex factors that often contribute to such tragedies. The community continues to grapple with the aftermath of senseless violence, seeking both justice and pathways toward prevention.