On a summer day in Rochester, New York, 35-year-old Todd Jones Jr. was standing at the corner of North Goodman Street and Derringer Place when his life was abruptly ended. On July 21, 2023, Jones was shot multiple times at point-blank range and was pronounced dead at the scene. Known affectionately as 'Oil,' he was a father of six who was remembered for his energetic, caring, and loving personality.
He had attended Jefferson High School and Monroe Community College, where he studied Graphic Arts, and worked for the City of Rochester.
The investigation into the shooting led police to identify 33-year-old Herley Williams as a suspect. Authorities stated that Williams and Jones knew each other, although a motive for the shooting was not immediately released. On August 1, 2023, members of the Rochester Police Department's Tactical Unit and the U.S. Marshal's Violent Felony Fugitive Task Force located Williams. It was reported that Williams resisted arrest and attempted to draw a loaded handgun from his waistband before he was taken into custody with the assistance of a State Police K-9 unit.
Herley Williams was subsequently charged with second-degree murder and criminal possession of a weapon. In November 2024, a Monroe County jury convicted Williams on all charges. He is scheduled to be sentenced in January of the following year.
