Another homicide investigation brings City of Rochester closer to 80 murders this year

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — The victim of Saturday’s Watkin Terrace shooting has died and police are still searching for the killer. Officers say the 36-year-old Rochester man died Sunday morning. Police say "fed up" doesn’t mean the violence will "let up". Another homicide investigation brings the city closer to 80 murders this year.

"I know the community is fed up with it, we hear it all the time, I know we have the community’s support we hear that all the time we’re constantly getting phone calls, emails, we’re even getting letters in the mail.”

Investigators work around the clock to fight and solve crime. Captain Frank Umbrino, with the Major Crimes Unit says its beyond disturbing, that the city is close to 80 homicides this year.

“They’re taking call to call, you look at the shooting on Watkin Terrace, officers are giving first aid, staff duty pulls up and officers still have blood on their hands they’re doing all they can do to help save lives," said Captain Frank Umbrino with the Rochester Police Department.

The victim of the murder on Watkin Terrace has been identified as 36-year old Tarrell McKnight. Police say Saturday afternoon they found McKnight in the middle of the street with multiple gunshot wounds. He died Sunday morning. Just 30 minutes later Saturday, police responded to another shooting on Cady Street. Police say that victim has been upgraded to stable.

"Patrol section investigation has somewhere around 23 24 investigators they have over 400 shootings this year, we’re approaching 80 homicides, so there is only a limited number of hours in the day. You can only do so much," Umbrino added.

With this election year, community roles and leadership is about to change. Police have hopes for continued change within the community, too.

"Community leaders need to take a hard look at policies that have been in place. We need to be adult enough to say hey, maybe we need to take a second look at the decision and maybe some we made weren’t the best and right the ship if you will," Umbrino said.

Umbrino told News10NBC that they are interviewing people for both Cady and Watkin Terrace investigations to try and put pieces together. Right now there are no suspects in custody in either shooting. Anyone with information is urged to call the police.