Rochester Police Investigating Deadly Shooting on North Plymouth Avenue
Rochester police are investigating a deadly shooting that unfolded late Wednesday night near the intersection of North Plymouth Avenue and Lyell Avenue, leaving one man dead and a community shaken.
The victim has been identified as 34-year-old Isiah Nesmith, according to officials. Police confirmed that Nesmith died after being struck during a barrage of gunfire that erupted in the area.
A Chaotic Scene
Authorities say the shooting happened just after 10 p.m., when multiple calls to 911 reported the sound of gunfire. Responding officers arrived to find Nesmith critically wounded. Despite life-saving efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Rochester Police Department investigators described the incident as a targeted attack in which more than 20 shots were fired. Detectives worked late into the night, marking shell casings and gathering evidence scattered across the street.
“This was not a random act,” one investigator told reporters, noting the scale of the gunfire. “Someone intended to take this man’s life.”
Investigation Underway
The incident has been officially classified as a homicide investigation, though as of Thursday morning, police reported that no suspects are in custody. Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses and residences, while canvassing the neighborhood for witnesses.
Police are urging anyone with information to come forward. Calls can be made to RPD’s Major Crimes Unit or anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
Community Response
The deadly shooting has once again rattled residents of Rochester, where gun violence has remained a persistent issue. Neighbors in the North Plymouth and Lyell Avenue corridor reported feeling both “terrified” and “numb” after hearing the volley of gunshots.
One resident, who did not want to be identified, said:
“We heard what sounded like fireworks at first, but it just kept going — shot after shot. It’s scary because this is right outside our homes.”
Family members of Nesmith have not yet spoken publicly, but friends have taken to social media to express their grief and disbelief over the sudden loss of the 34-year-old.
Ongoing Coverage
Rochester police say their work is far from over as they piece together the events that led to Nesmith’s death. The intersection remains a focal point of the investigation, with officers expected to maintain an increased presence in the area over the coming days.
News10NBC and other local outlets will continue to provide updates as more details emerge, including potential suspects or motives behind the deadly shooting.
For now, the death of Isiah Nesmith adds to a troubling trend of violence in Rochester, leaving both his loved ones and the broader community searching for answers.
