Senseless Tragedy: Denzel Williams Receives 12-Year Sentence for Fatal Shooting Sparked by Online Dispute

Buffalo, NY – A courtroom in Buffalo bore witness to a somber chapter closing as Denzel Williams, 22, was handed a 12-year sentence in state prison for the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Delmonta Cole. The tragic incident, which unfolded in 2020, stemmed from a petty dispute ignited by a social media post, culminating in a senseless loss of life that continues to ripple through the community.

Williams, facing the weight of his actions, previously entered a guilty plea to first-degree manslaughter.

His sentencing brings a measure of justice, yet it cannot erase the profound grief endured by Cole's family or mend the shattered dreams of a promising young life cut short.

Chief Judge Craig D. Hannah presided over the proceedings, his voice resonating with the gravity of the situation. "This is a tragic case where two young men's lives have been forever affected," Judge Hannah remarked, lamenting the all-too-common narrative of youth caught in a cycle of violence.

"One life was taken, and the other's future irrevocably altered by a moment of fatal escalation."

The most poignant moment arrived with the victim impact statement delivered by Lashawndra Cole, Delmonta's heartbroken mother. Her words painted a vivid picture of a son who was much more than a statistic – a vibrant student-athlete, a loyal friend, and a loving child.

"Delmonta was a good kid," she tearfully recounted, describing his infectious smile and his aspiration to study sports medicine. "He was my firstborn, and he was the glue that kept my family together. He loved his little brothers and sisters. He was a giver."

Lashawndra Cole emphasized the preventable nature of the tragedy, a stark reminder of how quickly minor disagreements can spiral into irreversible consequences.

She spoke of her son's positive influence, his dedication to his studies, and his bright future, all extinguished in an instant over an online disagreement. Her grief was palpable, a stark testament to the enduring pain of losing a child to gun violence.

Speaking on behalf of his client, defense attorney Daniel J.

Dubois acknowledged Williams' remorse. "Mr. Williams is extremely sorry for what happened," Dubois stated, conveying that Williams understood the profound impact of his actions. However, no expression of regret can bring back Delmonta Cole or truly console a mother's aching heart.

This case serves as a stark and painful reminder of the devastating toll that gun violence takes on individuals, families, and communities.

It highlights the urgent need for cooler heads to prevail and for young people to find constructive ways to resolve conflicts, preventing yet another life from being tragically cut short and another future from being irrevocably derailed by a moment of uncontrolled anger and a weapon.