In the autumn of 2021, a family gathering in Rochester, New York, took a tragic and violent turn, ending in the death of 34-year-old Malcolm Devonshire Sonja Owens. A Black male, Owens was visiting family in his hometown from his residence in Virginia on November 13, 2021. The fatal encounter unfolded on Pioneer Street during what has been described as a family dispute.
During the altercation, Malcolm Owens was shot and died at the scene.
Another man who was with Owens was also shot and wounded but survived his injuries. The Rochester Police Department quickly launched an investigation into the homicide. Their attention soon focused on a primary suspect: Malcolm's own father, 64-year-old Steven Owens. Authorities revealed that Steven Owens had an extensive and violent criminal history, including prior convictions for robbery, assault, and weapons possession, and they considered him to be armed and dangerous.
Following the shooting, a search for Steven Owens was initiated, involving the U.S. Marshal's Violent Felony Fugitive Task Force. The day after the shooting, on November 14, 2021, authorities located and apprehended Steven Owens at a residence in southwest Rochester. He was taken into custody without incident.
Steven Owens was subsequently charged with second-degree murder for the death of his son, Malcolm, and second-degree assault for the wounding of the second victim. In his initial court appearance in Rochester City Court, he pleaded not guilty to the charges. The case then began its journey through the legal system, with police indicating that additional charges could be presented to a grand jury.
