15 Unsolved Homicides, Police Need More Information from Witnesses
By: Cierra Putman
Updated: June 29, 2012
It's been a violent month in the city of Rochester; so far in June there have been seven homicides. Out of the 20 this year, 15 are unsolved and police say it's because people aren't coming forward.
It's an age old problem but Rochester Police Chief Jim Sheppard says staying quiet usually backfires.
"It's been my experience a lot of times when people don't help in terms of violence against the community it turns around and it touches them," Chief Sheppard said. "That really should be the incentive to come forward."
On Friday, police rushed to a scene after a teen fired off a gun when children and families were nearby.
Police say the problem is people in the city are torn between fear of retribution and a duty to notify police when they see a crime take place.
News 8 was at the scene of the most recent shooting on Van Auker Street which happened before 1 pm this afternoon.
Witnesses and police say the teen was in a fight with other teens at the scene
No one was hurt, but there's a bigger issue. With all this violence, witnesses aren't giving police enough information to help solve crimes. That's why police say 15 homicides are still unsolved.
Some community leaders say police have done their part and now it's up to them to step up and help convince people to come forward.
Young people who say the code of the street frowns upon snitching so they don't' talk to police out of fear of retribution.
Rochester police recently launched a my police app to allow people to provide information anonymously. You can also call 911 or crime stoppers with information and you don't have to give your name.
