Cheektowaga man charged with murder following parking dispute

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- A Cheektowaga man was arraigned on an indictment charging him with second-degree murder Thursday after he allegedly shot and killed a man during a parking dispute, according to the Erie County District Attorney's Office.

Md Rawnaq Hassan Ratin, 20, was shot in the chest after he allegedly got into an argument with Richard Walls, 44, on the 100 block of Cedar Road, officials said.

Ratin had parked on the street in front of an empty parking lot to meet up with friends on Oct. 12, 2024. His family said the alleged argument between him and Walls, who lived in the neighborhood, turned violent before he was shot.

Walls allegedly called 911 to identify himself as the shooter and waited for police to arrive. Police responded to the scene around 5 p.m. Ratin was taken to ECMC where he was pronounced deceased.

His family said he was a nice person, a good friend, and that his death was sad news for the community.

Walls was held without bail and faces a maximum of 25 years to life in prison if convicted. A return court date has yet to be scheduled.