The Rochester community is reeling from the tragic loss of 17-year-old Danyelisse Pabon-Cubero, who succumbed to her injuries on Sunday, May 5, 2025, five days after a senseless shooting on Alphonse Street left her critically wounded. The vibrant teenager, described by loved ones as a bright and promising young woman, was one of two victims caught in a violent outburst that has once again underscored the devastating toll of gun violence in the city. Her death has left family, friends, and neighbors grappling with grief, while authorities work to deliver justice in a case that has shaken the community to its core.
The incident unfolded in the early morning hours of Tuesday, April 30, 2025, when Rochester Police Department officers responded to reports of gunfire near Alphonse Street at approximately 1:30 a.m. Arriving at the scene, officers discovered a grim tableau: Danyelisse Pabon-Cubero and a man in his 30s, both suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The teenager was found inside the first-floor residence, struck by what investigators later described as an errant round, while the male victim was located on the front porch, his body riddled with bullets. Emergency responders provided immediate aid, rushing both victims to Strong Memorial Hospital, where medical teams fought to save their lives.
While the adult male survived his injuries, which were described as serious but not life-threatening, Pabon-Cubero’s condition remained dire. For five agonizing days, she clung to life in the hospital, her family holding onto hope as she battled the catastrophic injuries inflicted by the gunfire. On Sunday, that hope was extinguished when police confirmed that the 17-year-old had passed away, her death marking yet another heartbreaking loss in a city that has seen a troubling persistence of violent crime.
Investigators swiftly identified 18-year-old Michael Garcia as the primary suspect in the shooting. Later that same day, a lengthy SWAT operation in Brockport culminated in Garcia’s arrest, along with the detention of two other individuals whose roles in the incident remain unclear. Authorities revealed that the shooting stemmed from a retaliatory motive, with Garcia allegedly targeting the Alphonse Street residence in response to a prior dispute. The 17-year-old girl, police believe, was not the intended target, her life tragically cut short by a stray bullet that pierced the walls of her home.
Garcia initially faced charges of attempted second-degree murder, first-degree assault, and two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, all felonies. Following Pabon-Cubero’s death, Rochester Police announced that his charges would be upgraded to include second-degree murder, reflecting the gravity of the outcome. Formal amendments to the charges are expected to be presented at Garcia’s next court appearance, as the legal process moves forward in a case that has drawn significant attention.
The investigation into the shooting remains active, with police continuing to piece together the events that led to the tragedy. Authorities have indicated that additional charges may be considered as they explore whether others played a role in the incident. The Rochester Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit is urging anyone with information to come forward, offering multiple avenues for tips, including anonymous submissions through Crime Stoppers. Community members are encouraged to call (585) 428-7157 or email MajorCrimes@cityofrochester.gov with any details that could aid the investigation.
As Rochester mourns the loss of Danyelisse Pabon-Cubero, her death has reignited conversations about the urgent need to address gun violence and its disproportionate impact on young lives. City officials, including Mayor Malik Evans, have repeatedly called for community-driven solutions to break the cycle of disputes and retaliations that fuel such tragedies. The loss of a teenager described as full of potential has struck a deep chord, prompting renewed calls for unity and action to ensure that no more families endure such unimaginable pain.
For now, the focus remains on honoring Pabon-Cubero’s memory and seeking justice for her untimely death. Her family, devastated by their loss, has yet to release a public statement, but those who knew her have begun sharing tributes, painting a picture of a young woman whose light was extinguished far too soon. As the legal proceedings against Michael Garcia progress, the Rochester community stands together in grief, determined to remember Danyelisse not as a victim, but as a beloved daughter, friend, and neighbor whose life mattered deeply to all who knew her.