In the Corn Hill neighborhood of Rochester, New York, a tragedy unfolded on June 18, 2021, that claimed the life of 31-year-old Genuine U. Ridgeway. The young mother had just returned home from a vigil for her boyfriend, who had been killed just two days prior. As she pulled her vehicle into the parking lot of her apartment complex, another car followed, and two individuals emerged, unleashing a barrage of gunfire into her car.
The shooters fired in excess of 30 shots, a brutal act of violence that was officially ruled a homicide.
The most heart-wrenching aspect of this already horrific event was the presence of her two young children, ages three and eight, who were in the backseat of the car and witnessed their mother's murder. Miraculously, the children were physically unharmed. A neighbor recounted the terrifying moments, hearing the gunshots and then seeing the little girl run for help, screaming that her mom had been shot.
For three years, the case remained without an arrest, leaving a void in the lives of her family and community. However, in a significant development, authorities have revealed that they believe they know who is responsible for Genuine Ridgeway's death. The suspect, who has not yet been charged in her murder, is currently serving a sentence of 25 years to life for another killing. While this information brings a measure of clarity to the investigation, the formal pursuit of justice for Ridgeway continues as investigators work to solidify their case. The Rochester police have expressed their commitment to providing answers for her children, who were left to grapple with the unimaginable trauma of that day.
