Buffalo, NY (WBEN) A Buffalo man was sentenced to up to 15 years in prison for a tragic crash into the McKinley Monument in Niagara Square on Thanksgiving 2020 that claimed the life of his passenger.
Paul Tolbert III was convicted of manslaughter in the crash.
Erie County Court Judge James Bargnesi convicted Tolbert of manslaughter, vehicular manslaughter and possession of a controlled substance in a bench trial. Prosecutors say Tolbert was driving a minivan at a high-rate of speed southbound on Delaware Avenue when he crashed the vehicle into the monument. His passenger, 34-year-old Angel Marie Cobb of Buffalo, was killed.
Tolbert was taken to ECMC to be treated for various injuries. He was found to be under the influence of cocaine and fentanyl at the time of the crash.
Erie County DA
During course of the investigation, prosecutors say a small bag containing white powder was found in Tolbert's clothing. The substance was tested and determined to be fentanyl.
