Rochester police are investigating the deaths of three individuals, one of whom is believed to be in his 40s, who was found dead Monday after an apparent carjacking.
During a Monday press conference, Mayor Malik Evans expressed regret that the city’s homicide-free streak for April had been broken and urged the community to share any relevant information.
The first homicide occurred when police discovered 35-year-old Ricky Elliot shot several times and transported him to a hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. According to WROC-TV, the victim was involved in a dispute.
Later that day, 53-year-old Myron Fair was discovered deceased in an apartment complex in what was characterized as “an isolated incident” posing no threat to the community.
Early Monday morning, the deceased livery driver, whose identity has yet to be released by authorities, was discovered on the side of the road with a chest wound. Local media reported that the vehicle had been stolen and later abandoned. He was reportedly on duty when the incident occurred shortly after 3 a.m.
Rochester Police Chief David Smith joined the mayor in soliciting public assistance on Monday. It is unknown whether the three deaths are linked. Smith stated that he could not provide details about ongoing investigations but reiterated, “Most of our homicides are the result of violent retaliatory disputes.”
Rochester recorded 58 homicides in 2023, a decrease from the previous year, according to the Democrat & Chronicle. The police chief stated on Monday that 70% of Rochester’s homicides were solved last year, and the city’s major crimes division has solved slightly less than that percentage in 2024.
As per the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of western New York is approximately 211,000.
