Tragic Gunfire Incident in Rochester Leaves Teen Fighting for Her Life; Suspect in Custody
Rochester, NY — In the early hours of Wednesday, April 30, 2025, just after midnight, the Rochester Police Department (RPD) responded to a ShotSpotter alert followed by a frantic 911 call reporting multiple gunshots in the vicinity of Alphonse and Thomas Streets. Officers were immediately dispatched to the scene, where they arrived to find a grim and chaotic situation unfolding.
Upon arrival at the intersection, officers located two individuals who had been shot. A man in his 30s was found on the front porch of 17 Alphonse Street, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Officers quickly rendered aid until paramedics arrived.
As they continued their search, officers entered the first floor of the residence and made a heartbreaking discovery: a 17-year-old girl, later identified as Danyelisse, known to her friends and online followers by the names #YaraaBbyy, #JuneyJune, and #yarelisecubero, was found inside with at least one gunshot wound to her upper body.
Emergency Medical Services personnel with AMR transported both victims to the University of Rochester Medical Center. While the adult male victim is expected to recover from his injuries, the teenage girl remains in critical condition, fighting for her life. Her condition is described as life-threatening, and doctors continue to monitor her closely as her family and loved ones remain by her side.
In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, RPD detectives launched a full-scale investigation, canvassing the neighborhood, collecting surveillance footage, and speaking to witnesses. Based on evidence gathered at the scene and eyewitness reports, a county-wide BOLO (Be On the Lookout) was issued for a suspect vehicle believed to be involved in the shooting.
Later that same day, a sharp-eyed officer from the Village of Brockport Police Department, recalling a recent encounter with a similar vehicle, spotted the car parked near a residence on North Main Street in Brockport. The discovery quickly led to a breakthrough in the case.
Following nearly 24 hours of intensive investigative work, Rochester Police charged 18-year-old Michael Garcia, a resident of Rochester, in connection with the shooting. Garcia was taken into custody without incident at the Brockport residence and faces multiple serious charges:
- Attempted Murder (1 count)
- Assault in the First Degree (1 count)
- Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (2 counts)
Authorities believe that the shooting may have stemmed from an escalating dispute, though the motive remains under investigation. Garcia is expected to be arraigned in Rochester City Court on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at 9:30 a.m.
As the investigation continues, police urge anyone with additional information, surveillance footage, or witness accounts to come forward. Community leaders have expressed deep concern over the continuing cycle of youth violence and have called for increased support services for at-risk youth.
Meanwhile, the city of Rochester stands in mourning and hope—mourning a senseless act of violence that left a young girl clinging to life and hoping that justice will prevail and healing can begin.