Man learns sentence for fatal shooting

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - A Buffalo man found guilty of a bizarre murder learned his fate Tuesday morning. He was found guilty of killing an innocent bystander when firing a stray bullet last year.

During sentencing in State Supreme Court Bangaly Chelley says even though a jury convicted him of murdering a bystander, he's innocent. Chelley was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison.

The victim's son says it's hard to fathom that his father lived through wars in Africa, but died in America while simply fixing his granddaughter’s bike.

“My father was very humble man. He never harmed anybody,” said the victim’s son, Mohamed Hanneh.

Chelley was convicted of second-degree murder and criminal possession of a weapon. Authorities say the 30-year-old fired a series of shots last May on the city's west side. They say one struck and killed 82-year-old Ansumane Kanneh.

Mohamed Hanneh said, “I never said my father was a victim. He was just at the wrong place at the wrong time. So I'm really happy that they got him. He's going to pay for the charges and spend time behind bars.”

But Chelley's attorney says he's there's no evidence to prove he did it.

Chelley’s attorney Barry Dolgoff said, “No gun, no blood, no evidence, he’s innocent. The witnesses were hoodlums.”

The prosecution says Buffalo Police tracked this case for months.

Erie County Assistant District Attorney Colleen Gable said, “Although defense council referred to them as bums, thugs and liars, clearly the jury disagreed, returning a verdict in 35 minutes.”

Justice William Boller said, “I have to tell you, I think the jury verdict made perfect sense to me.”