In the early moments of April 30, 2025, a tragedy unfolded on Alphonse Street in Rochester, New York, that would claim the life of 17-year-old Danyelisse Pabon-Cubero, a Latina high school senior. Just after midnight, a confrontation that began outside a residence escalated into gunfire. Inside the home, on the first floor, Danyelisse was struck in the upper body by a stray bullet. Her life was tragically cut short just weeks before her high school graduation and senior prom.
After several days, she succumbed to her injuries on May 5, 2025, marking the eighth homicide in Rochester that year.
Danyelisse was a beloved student at East High School, known for her vibrant energy and radiant smile that could light up any room. She was a dedicated supporter of her school's sports teams and an active participant in volleyball, dancing, and cheerleading. With aspirations of becoming a firefighter, she was scheduled to begin her training in the very week her life was taken. Her passing left a profound void in the hearts of her family, friends, and the wider community. Grief counselors were made available to students and staff at her school to help them cope with the devastating loss.
The investigation into the shooting led authorities to identify 18-year-old Michael Garcia of Rochester as the primary suspect. Police allege that Garcia, along with others, had gone to the Alphonse Street home with the intention of retaliating for a prior incident. During the altercation, Garcia is accused of shooting a 30-year-old man multiple times on the front porch. It was during this exchange of gunfire that a stray bullet fatally wounded Danyelisse inside the house.
Following the incident, Garcia fled the scene, leading to a county-wide search. Law enforcement tracked his vehicle to Brockport, where a local police officer recognized it. A SWAT team was deployed, and Garcia, along with others, was taken into custody. Initially, Garcia faced charges of attempted second-degree murder, first-degree assault, and two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. Following Danyelisse's death, the charges against him were upgraded to second-degree murder. Garcia pleaded not guilty to the initial charges and is being held in the Monroe County Jail without bail. Authorities have indicated that the investigation is ongoing and that additional charges may be brought against others involved in the incident.
