On a summer evening in Rochester, New York, the life of 17-year-old Willie Carter IV was tragically cut short. The male teenager was inside a convenience store on North Clinton Avenue on June 19, 2020, when he was shot. First responders found him with life-threatening injuries and rushed him to Strong Memorial Hospital. Despite undergoing surgery, Carter succumbed to his injuries later that day.
His death was one of three separate fatal shootings that occurred in the city within a few hours, marking a particularly violent night for Rochester.
Willie Carter IV, born on February 4, 2003, was a student at the Leadership Academy for Young Men. He had recently taken the Navy Entrance Exam with aspirations of becoming a Navy Seal. Known to be a sports enthusiast who favored football and baseball, he was described as a sweet and loving son who enjoyed spending time with his family. He also had a passion for music and had produced several rap videos.
The Rochester Police Department's Major Crimes Unit has been investigating the homicide, but the case has been met with challenges. A lack of witnesses and concrete leads have hindered progress in the investigation. To date, no arrests have been made in connection with the shooting, and no suspects have been publicly identified. The case remains open, and authorities have urged anyone with information to come forward to help bring a resolution to the case and a measure of peace to his grieving family and community.
