In the early hours of April 30, 2025, a quiet neighborhood in Rochester, New York, was shattered by gunfire, leaving a 17-year-old girl fighting for her life and a community grappling with the persistent specter of violence. Just after midnight, Rochester Police responded to a ShotSpotter alert and a 911 call reporting shots fired near Alphonse and Thomas Streets. Arriving at 17 Alphonse Street, officers encountered a grim scene: a man in his 30s, riddled with multiple gunshot wounds, lay on the front porch, while inside the first-floor residence, a teenage girl, identified by loved ones as Danyelisse, suffered a devastating gunshot wound to her upper body. The two victims, both struck in a sudden and brutal attack, were rushed by American Medical Response to the University of Rochester Medical Center. The man, though seriously injured, is expected to recover. Danyelisse, however, remains in critical condition, her life hanging in the balance as her family and friends hold vigil, sharing heartfelt tributes online under hashtags like #YaraaBbyy, #JuneyJune, and #yarelisecubero.
The investigation that followed unfolded with urgency and precision. Rochester Police, supported by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and Brockport Police, worked tirelessly to piece together the events leading to the shooting. A county-wide Be On the Lookout alert was issued for a suspect vehicle, and a sharp-eyed Brockport Police officer, recalling a recent encounter with a similar car, spotted it parked near a residence on North Main Street in Brockport. This critical lead prompted a coordinated response, including the deployment of a Rochester Police SWAT team, as authorities descended on the location. After nearly 24 hours of relentless investigation, 18-year-old Rochester resident Michael Garcia was taken into custody at the Brockport residence. He now faces a litany of serious charges: one count of attempted murder, one count of first-degree assault, and two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. Garcia is scheduled to be arraigned in Rochester City Court on the morning of May 1, 2025, at 9:30 a.m., as the legal process begins to address this violent act.
Authorities have revealed that the shooting stemmed from a targeted act of retaliation. Garcia, along with a group of associates, allegedly went to the Alphonse Street residence to settle a score tied to a prior incident involving someone connected to Garcia and someone linked to the home. A confrontation outside the house escalated into gunfire, with Garcia accused of shooting the man on the porch. Tragically, Danyelisse, who was inside the residence, was struck by a bullet that police believe was not intended for her. This unintended consequence underscores the reckless nature of the violence that erupted that night, leaving an innocent teenager critically wounded. During the investigation, a search warrant executed at the Brockport residence uncovered evidence tied to the shooting, and several other individuals were detained as persons of interest, though no additional charges have been announced as the investigation continues.
This incident marks yet another chapter in Rochester’s ongoing struggle with gun violence, a challenge that has tested the resilience of its residents and leaders. Mayor Malik Evans, who has frequently spoken out about the need for community-driven solutions to curb such tragedies, has emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of conflict. The city has seen a decline in overall crime in recent years, with homicides dropping significantly in 2024, but incidents like this serve as a stark reminder of the work that remains. Police are urging anyone with information or video evidence to come forward, offering multiple channels for tips, including 911, the Major Crimes Unit, and Crime Stoppers.
As Danyelisse’s loved ones rally around her, the broader Rochester community is left to reflect on the human toll of such violence. The image of a teenage girl, vibrant and full of promise, now clinging to life in a hospital bed, is a poignant call to action. For now, the focus remains on her recovery, Garcia’s impending court appearance, and the hope that justice, coupled with meaningful change, can prevent another family from enduring such pain.