ROCHESTER, NY — An 18-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a tragic double shooting on Alphonse Street that claimed the life of 17-year-old Danyelisse Pabon-Cubero, a Rochester teen whose death has shaken the local community. Michael Garcia, of Rochester, was taken into custody on April 30 following an intense SWAT operation in Brockport, just hours after the early morning shooting.
According to the Rochester Police Department, officers were dispatched to the 200 block of Alphonse Street around 1:30 a.m. after reports of multiple gunshots. Upon arrival, they discovered two victims—Pabon-Cubero and a man in his 30s—both suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency crews quickly transported the victims to Strong Memorial Hospital, where they received emergency treatment.
Despite the best efforts of medical personnel, Pabon-Cubero succumbed to her injuries on May 5, five days after the shooting. The male victim remains in critical but stable condition, police said.
The violent incident prompted a rapid and intensive investigation by homicide detectives, which quickly led authorities to identify Michael Garcia as the primary suspect. Later that day, law enforcement, including a SWAT team, converged on a residence in Brockport, where Garcia was located and taken into custody without incident. Two other individuals were also detained during the operation, though their involvement remains under investigation.
Authorities have yet to publicly disclose a motive for the shooting, but the case remains active and ongoing. Detectives are urging anyone with information about the events leading up to the violence to come forward.
The death of Danyelisse Pabon-Cubero has left her family, friends, and school community devastated. Known for her bright spirit and aspirations for the future, she is being remembered as a kind and loving young woman whose life was cut short far too soon. Grief counselors have been made available at her school, and a growing memorial marks the spot where the shooting occurred, adorned with candles, flowers, and handwritten notes.
In a press statement, Rochester Mayor Malik Evans expressed condolences to the victim’s family and reaffirmed the city’s commitment to addressing gun violence. “The loss of another young life to senseless gun violence is heartbreaking. We will continue to work with law enforcement and community partners to get illegal guns off our streets and prevent further tragedies,” Evans said.
Michael Garcia is expected to face charges related to homicide and attempted murder. His arraignment is pending, and further legal proceedings will determine the extent of his involvement in the deadly shooting.
As Rochester continues to mourn, the community remains united in seeking justice for Danyelisse Pabon-Cubero and healing from the tragedy that has left yet another painful mark on the city.
