Suspect charged in the beating death of Tonawanda woman

20140511. Buffalo's City Court Building is the epitome of Brutalism (c.1974) — "The windowless walls which present an impentratable facade to Niagara Square, were designed to protect the courtrooms and judges' chambers from outside distractions, as well as to accomodate sculpture and define space.

Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 22-year-old Joshua E. Wilson of Buffalo has been arraigned before Buffalo City Court Judge Andrew C. LoTempio, acting as a Town of Tonawanda Court Justice, on one count of Murder in the Second Degree, a Class “A-1” felony.

It is alleged that on May 4, 2020, at approximately 11:00 p.m., the defendant killed 71-year-old Diane M. Wolfe inside her Yorkshire Avenue home in the Town of Tonawanda by beating her to death with a gardening tool. It is further alleged that the defendant stole the victim’s vehicle and other items from the home.

The defendant was apprehended last night while trying to cross into the Canadian border at the Peace Bridge in another stolen vehicle.

Wilson is scheduled to return on Friday, July 31, 2020 at 9:30 a.m. for a felony hearing. He was remanded without bail.

If convicted on the charge, he faces a maximum of 25 years to life in prison.

DA Flynn commends the detectives from the Town of Tonawanda Police Department for their work in the investigation. DA Flynn also commends the U.S. Marshals Service, Utica Police Department, Buffalo Police Department, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection for their assistance.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Eugene T. Partridge, III of the DA’s Homicide Bureau.

As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.