Driver Receives Split Sentence for Fatally Injuring Pedestrian in Downtown Buffalo

Thursday, September 5, 2024

Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that 37-year-old Curtis L. Hall, Jr. of Buffalo was sentenced this morning before Acting Erie County Court Judge Andrew C. LoTempio. He received a split sentence of six months in jail followed by five years of probation.

On Friday, December 15, 2023, at approximately 9:37 p.m., the defendant was driving a vehicle at a high-rate of speed, while under the influence of alcohol, when he hit a pedestrian on the 1000 block of William Street in the City of Buffalo. The victim, 69-year-old Michael T. Cosgrove, was crossing the street at the time of the incident. He died at the scene.

Hall pleaded guilty to one count of Criminally Negligent Homicide (Class "E" felony), the highest sustainable charge, on May 21, 2024.

Acting DA Keane commends the Buffalo Police Department Accident Investigation Unit for their work in this investigation.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Christopher M. McCarthy of the Vehicular Crimes Bureau.