Buffalo police investigate back-to-back homicides

Two men were killed in separate shootings on Sunday and Monday nights, but police say the incidents are not connected.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 10:41pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a spent bullet casing on a dark, textured surface, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the investigation into a recent homicide.The recent spate of gun violence in Buffalo has police searching for answers and the public's help to prevent further bloodshed.Buffalo Today

Buffalo police are investigating two homicides that occurred in the city over the past two nights. On Sunday, 31-year-old Kenneth Harkness was shot and killed on Townsend Street. The following night, 21-year-old Jihad Gibbs was killed when a gunman fired shots into a store on Walden Avenue. Police have made one arrest in the Gibbs case, but say the two incidents are not connected.

Why it matters

Gun violence remains a concern in Buffalo, though overall homicides and shootings are down compared to this time last year. Police are increasing patrols in the areas where the recent killings took place to try to prevent further violence.

The details

In the first incident on Sunday night, Kenneth Harkness was shot and killed on Townsend Street. The following night, Jihad Gibbs was killed when a gunman fired shots into a store on Walden Avenue. On Tuesday, police announced the arrest of 22-year-old Angel Gonzalez-Rondon of Cheektowaga in connection with Gibbs' death. Gonzalez-Rondon was charged with second-degree murder and other offenses, and was out on parole at the time of the shooting.

  • On Sunday night, Kenneth Harkness was shot and killed on Townsend Street.
  • On Monday night, Jihad Gibbs was killed when a gunman fired shots into a store on Walden Avenue.
  • On Tuesday afternoon, police announced the arrest of Angel Gonzalez-Rondon in connection with Gibbs' death.

The players

Kenneth Harkness

A 31-year-old man who was shot and killed on Townsend Street on Sunday night.

Jihad Gibbs

A 21-year-old man who was killed when a gunman fired shots into a store on Walden Avenue on Monday night.

Angel Gonzalez-Rondon

A 22-year-old man from Cheektowaga who was arrested and charged with second-degree murder and other offenses in connection with Gibbs' death. He was out on parole at the time of the shooting.

Craig Macy

The Interim Police Commissioner of Buffalo, who spoke about the recent homicides and the department's efforts to address gun violence in the city.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We do not believe that they are connected to the homicide that happened on Sunday night.”

— Craig Macy, Interim Police Commissioner

“Any time there is a homicide in the city of Buffalo, it's concerning.”

— Craig Macy, Interim Police Commissioner

“Many of these homicides, we believe that there's people that have information that are not fully disclosing all of that information to the homicide unit.”

— Craig Macy, Interim Police Commissioner

What’s next

Police say they will be stepping up directed patrols in the areas where the recent homicides occurred to try to prevent further violence.

The takeaway

While overall gun violence and homicides are down in Buffalo compared to this time last year, the back-to-back killings this past weekend highlight the ongoing challenge of addressing gun crime in the city. Police are urging the public to come forward with any information that could help solve these cases.