In the early morning of August 20, 2023, the life of 31-year-old Alec Rouse was tragically cut short in Rochester, New York. A Black / African American male known affectionately as 'Coach Al,' Rouse was a beloved father of three and a dedicated youth football coach for the Jr. Predators and the 10th Ward Tigers. His sudden death sent ripples of grief through the community that knew him as a mentor and a positive influence.
On that fateful day, police responded to reports of gunshots in
the vicinity of North Plymouth Avenue and Ambrose Street. Upon their arrival, they discovered Rouse in the street with a gunshot wound to his torso. He was rushed to Strong Memorial Hospital, but his injuries proved to be fatal. An investigation into the shooting was immediately launched by the Rochester Police Department.
The investigation led authorities to 28-year-old Brandon Hall, who was known to Rouse. Investigators determined that an argument between the two men had escalated, culminating in Hall fatally shooting Rouse. On January 11, 2024, Hall was arrested by the United States Marshals Task Force. A grand jury indicted him on charges of second-degree murder and two weapons charges. Initially, Hall pleaded not guilty.
Later, Brandon Hall pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of Manslaughter in the 1st Degree. On August 8, 2024, he was sentenced to 20 years in the New York State Department of Corrections, to be followed by five years of post-release supervision. Rouse's family, though devastated by their loss, expressed a sense of justice having been served and voiced their hope that Hall would be rehabilitated during his time in prison. They agreed to the plea deal to avoid the further pain of a lengthy trial.
