Dayshone King, 27, Fatally Struck During Early Morning Altercation Near Jefferson Avenue and Broadway in Buffalo as Police Investigate Chaotic Multi-Person Shooting Incident

BUFFALO, NY —
In the quiet early hours of Saturday morning, the streets near Jefferson Avenue and Broadway in Buffalo turned into the site of a devastating act of gun violence that claimed the life of a young man. The victim, 27-year-old Dayshone King, a resident of Buffalo, was found with multiple gunshot wounds and tragically succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The Buffalo Police Department is now urgently investigating the circumstances of the incident, which they believe stemmed from a volatile altercation involving several individuals in the vicinity of the busy intersection.

According to preliminary reports released by the Buffalo Police Department, officers were dispatched to the area shortly before 4 a.m. following several 911 calls reporting gunshots and a person lying in the street. When law enforcement and emergency medical personnel arrived, they located King on the pavement, unresponsive and suffering from severe gunshot wounds. Despite immediate life-saving attempts by first responders, King was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The Scene and Surrounding Community in Shock

The intersection of Jefferson Avenue and Broadway, typically bustling with activity during daylight hours, was cordoned off with crime scene tape as investigators scoured the area for evidence and canvassed for potential witnesses. Nearby residents reported being awakened by the sound of gunfire, some describing the rapid succession of shots as “terrifying” and “shocking.”

Dayshone King, described by those who knew him as a quiet, thoughtful individual with a warm presence, was a familiar face in the community. While police have not disclosed whether he lived near the scene of the incident, friends and neighbors have come forward expressing their grief, confusion, and anger over the violent loss of a young life.

Emerging Details of the Confrontation

Investigators have indicated that the shooting appears to have taken place during what they termed an “altercation involving multiple individuals.” The exact nature of this confrontation remains unclear. Authorities have not yet released specific details about what led up to the shooting, nor have they confirmed whether King was an intended target or a bystander caught in a crossfire.

Witnesses at the scene told local reporters that they saw a group of people arguing before gunfire erupted. Some mentioned hearing raised voices and what sounded like a physical scuffle. One resident, who wished to remain anonymous for safety reasons, said, “It sounded like a fight got out of control really fast. Then the shots started—fast and loud. We hit the floor.”

Law enforcement is continuing to examine surveillance footage from nearby businesses and city cameras that may have captured the incident. Detectives are also conducting interviews with individuals who were in the area during the time of the shooting.

Community Response and Call for Answers

In the aftermath of the incident, community leaders, activists, and residents have expressed outrage over the continued presence of gun violence in Buffalo’s neighborhoods. Jefferson Avenue, still reeling from past traumatic events including the 2022 racially motivated mass shooting at a Tops supermarket just blocks away, remains a symbol of both resilience and the urgent need for reform.

Rev. Anthony Wallace, a prominent community pastor and youth advocate, commented, “We cannot continue to lose our young men to violence. Dayshone King was someone’s son, someone’s friend, someone who mattered. The city has a responsibility to find out what happened, to bring accountability, and to support the healing of this neighborhood.”

Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown released a brief statement Saturday afternoon expressing condolences to the family of the victim and affirming the city’s commitment to finding those responsible. “Our thoughts are with the loved ones of Mr. King. The Buffalo Police Department is dedicating significant resources to investigate this act of violence and to ensure that justice is served,” the statement read.

Investigation Progress and Appeal for Information

As of Tuesday morning, police have not announced any arrests in connection with the incident. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward, emphasizing that even seemingly minor details could be crucial in piecing together the events that led to King’s death.

Detectives are particularly interested in speaking to individuals who may have been present at the scene during the time of the altercation. In addition, the Buffalo Police Department’s confidential tip line is open for those who may wish to remain anonymous. Crimestoppers WNY has also offered a reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the individual or individuals responsible.

Investigators are also reviewing forensic evidence collected from the scene, including shell casings, ballistic fragments, and potential DNA evidence. Police have not disclosed how many weapons may have been involved or the total number of shots fired.

Who Was Dayshone King?

Though limited public information has been made available about Dayshone King’s background, those who knew him are beginning to paint a picture of a young man with hopes, relationships, and a community presence. A childhood friend shared, “Dayshone wasn’t perfect, but he had a good heart. He always tried to look out for people around him. He didn’t deserve this.”

Social media tributes to King have begun to appear, with messages expressing sorrow, disbelief, and calls for peace. “Rest in power, King,” one post read. “We love you, and we will never forget you.”

Looking Ahead: Grief, Questions, and the Pursuit of Justice

As Buffalo continues to mourn yet another act of violence, attention turns toward prevention efforts and the broader social issues contributing to urban gun crime. Community activists are renewing calls for increased funding for violence interruption programs, youth mentorship initiatives, and mental health services.

At the same time, the need for clarity and justice in the case of Dayshone King remains paramount. Residents, particularly in neighborhoods surrounding the Jefferson and Broadway intersection, are expressing both fear and frustration over the slow trickle of information.

“This wasn’t just another ‘incident,’” said one resident. “This was someone’s life. And we need to know who took it, why, and how we can stop it from happening again.”

As the investigation continues, the Buffalo Police Department has pledged transparency and diligence, promising to update the public as new details emerge. In the meantime, the city reflects on the loss of Dayshone King — a young man whose life was cut short in a moment of sudden and senseless violence — and renews its collective resolve to seek justice, accountability, and change.

Anyone with information related to the shooting is urged to contact the Buffalo Police Department’s Homicide Unit at (716) 851-4466 or submit anonymous tips through Crimestoppers WNY at 867-6161.