In the early hours of a Sunday morning in Rochester, New York, a dispute escalated into deadly violence, claiming the life of 45-year-old Porter Mizell. On July 16, 2023, Mizell was fatally shot in an incident that also resulted in the death of another man, 40-year-old Ervin Wiggins. The tragic events unfolded near the intersection of North and Weld Streets, shattering the weekend peace.
An investigation into the double homicide revealed a grim sequence of events allegedly sparked by a
dispute over a woman. Authorities determined that Ervin Wiggins fired multiple shots at Porter Mizell. The altercation proved fatal for Mizell, who was found in a parking lot and later succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital. The initial conflict between Wiggins and Mizell set the stage for a second, and equally tragic, act of violence.
Following the shooting of Mizell, investigators identified Zadennis Speed, 42, as a suspect in the subsequent death of Ervin Wiggins. It is alleged that Speed, in response to the shooting of Mizell, took out an illegally possessed handgun and fired multiple shots at Wiggins, who was found deceased in the street.
In connection with the violent episode, Zadennis Speed was taken into custody by the U.S. Marshals Violent Felony Fugitive Task Force. He was subsequently charged with criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree. Following his arraignment, Speed was released, with the possibility of facing additional charges as the legal process continues.
