Niagara Falls police, family identify victim in weekend homicide

NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (WIVB) — A local man was pronounced dead after a senseless shooting at a memorial event Saturday night in Niagara Falls that was promoting peace.

The shooting happened in the area of 9th Street and Ferry Avenue and took place during a peaceful community block party that has been held for years.

Police and the victim’s family have identified the victim of the shooting as 43-year-old Anthony Brantley of Niagara Falls, who had ties to Lockport as well.

Relatives of Brantley are outraged. They say he was a man who had turned his life around and was doing well, only to be shot Saturday night, leaving three teenage children behind.

WIVB News 4 heard from Anthony’s fiancée Chyna Shingledecker and Niagara Falls Peacemakers about the shooting.

“He felt comfortable here and not one person helped him, screamed, scared the guy, nothing, they did nothing,” Shingledecker said. “They watched him die, he was innocent, he was not here causing trouble, he was not here partying.”

Family also say that Brantley was a construction worker and loved traveling and the Buffalo Bills.

Community groups say the memorial has been very peaceful for years.

“There has never been any incident of this nature there. It has always been peaceful,” said Ezra Scott of Niagara Falls Peacemakers. “The event has been organized ultimately, to celebrate the lives of those that have been lost.”

Police say Brantley was shot in the chest. First responders tried to save his life, but he died at the scene.

According to police, the suspect is a man who was dressed in all black with a hoodie over his head.

Anyone with any information, video or pictures from the incident can contact the Niagara Falls Police Department at (716) 286-4553 or the general information number at (716) 286-4711.

Jeff Preval is an award-winning anchor and reporter who joined the News 4 team in December 2021. See more of his work here .