Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Saleh Mohamad, the man accused of killing four people during a June 1 murderous shooting spree, is likely facing life in prison, with no chance for parole.
That is based on Mohamed facing double murder in the first degree counts, along with three murder in the second degree.
The charges stem from Mohamed, 29, allegedly shooting a Grant Street convenience store clerk around 2:30 p.m. Monday, and then - nearly one hour later - shooting his 26-year-old wife, 4-year-old son and 3-year-old son in their house at 43 Ellen Drive in Cheektowaga.
Mohamed was arraigned late Monday in Cheektowaga Town Court on one count of first degree murder and three counts of second degree murder for allegedly shooting his wife and sons.
Tuesday afternoon, on his 29th birthday, Mohamed was arraigned in Buffalo City Court on a first degree murder charge related to the Grant Street shooting.
"It appears all were part of the same incident," said Justin Caldwell, Erie County Assistant District Attorney, during Mohamed's brief three minute hearing before Buffalo City Court Judge Erin Hart.
Erie County District Attorney Michael Keane said the investigate will continue for the next few weeks.
"The next few days will be very intense," Keane said.
Keane hopes to present the case to an Erie County Grand Jury soon.
Several new bits of information were disclosed by Keane and Cheektowaga Chief of Police Brian Koons during a June 2 press conference.
Among them:
- All of the victims were shot with a 9mm pistol.
- Mohamed allegedly shot his wife and two sons, left their Ellen Drive house, and then returned, where he was taken into custody by Cheektowaga police.
- The Cheektowaga call began as a family member called police and asked for a welfare check at the Ellen Drive house, Coons said.
- All three Cheektowaga victims were found inside the house, and the clerk was found inside the store and died just as police and first aid crews arrives.
- A fellow convenience store worker called Buffalo Police about the shooting.
- Mohamed had no criminal record before Monday's incidents.
- Mohamed is a Yemen native.
- Language issues are slowing down the investigation.
Mohamed remains in custody in the Erie County Holding Center. No bail has been set.
He is due back in both Buffalo and Cheektowaga courts on June 5.
