A shooting occurred in Rochester, New York’s Maplewood Park on Sunday evening, July 28, 2024, leaving two women dead and five others injured, according to local police. The incident took place around 6:20 p.m. when the park was filled with hundreds of people barbecuing and enjoying the summer weather at an event advertised by flyers.
Rochester police reported that Tyasia Manning, a city employee, 25, was fatally shot, while Phylicia Council, 34, sustained life-threatening injuries and died later. Five other victims were treated for minor injuries at nearby hospitals.
The chaotic scene unfolded as gunfire erupted, causing park-goers to flee in panic. A video purportedly taken during the shooting and shared on social media captures the mayhem as people scattered for safety when multiple weapons were fired.
Rochester police, along with several other agencies, including the Irondequoit Police, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, and New York State Police, responded to the scene. Police Captain Greg Bello addressed the media, stating that the number of shooters involved is still undetermined.
Rochester Police Chief David Smith later confirmed that authorities are searching for more than one suspect.
Maplewood Park, known for its scenic views and popular gathering spots, became the site of an extensive police investigation late Sunday. Investigators were seen combing the area for ballistic evidence, and authorities have urged anyone with information or video footage of the incident to come forward. “Anything on who decided to — on a Sunday afternoon where everybody’s out barbecuing, having a good time — decided to pull out a gun for whatever reason whether there’s a dispute going, short term, long term, whatever it was,” Bello said. “Somebody that pulled out a gun, obviously that’s incredibly unacceptable in our society.”
The shooting at Maplewood Park is part of a recent surge in violence in Rochester. On the same day as the park shooting, a man in his 30s was killed in an early morning shooting, and a separate incident on Friday night resulted in the stabbing death of 38-year-old Christopher Austin. Police have made arrests in the stabbing case, charging Herbert Montgomery, 45, with second-degree murder and Sara Lee McFadden, 42, with tampering with evidence and hindering prosecution.
The community has been shaken by these violent events. “To the folks who did this, I will be seeing you,” Chief Smith warned, addressing the perpetrators of the park shooting.
Mayor Malik Evans also appealed to the public for assistance in the investigation. “We need the community’s help to bring those responsible to justice,” Evans said. “If you know something, say something. We must work together to ensure our parks and our city remain safe.”
Rochester is approximately 340 miles northwest of New York City. The recent string of violent incidents has put the city on high alert, with law enforcement agencies ramping up efforts to curb the violence and ensure public safety. The ongoing investigation at Maplewood Park underscores the critical need for information from the public to aid in identifying and apprehending those responsible.
