In the heart of northwest Rochester, a quiet evening on Spencer Street was shattered by a violent confrontation that left a woman dead and a man clinging to life. On Thursday, August 14, 2025, at approximately 9:30 p.m., Rochester Police responded to multiple 911 calls reporting a heated altercation near Lyell Avenue. What they discovered was a scene of chaos and heartbreak—a woman in her 30s, fatally stabbed, and a man in his 20s, critically wounded by gunfire.
The woman, whose identity has not been officially released by authorities, was pronounced dead shortly after being rushed to Strong Memorial Hospital. The man, alleged to have been her attacker, was also transported to the hospital, where he remains in critical condition, fighting for his life. According to Rochester Police Captain Frank Umbrino, the two were entangled in a dispute that spiraled into a deadly physical clash. As the man stabbed the woman, a third party intervened, shooting him at least once, escalating the tragedy further.
Spencer Street, a residential road nestled just north of Lyell Avenue and west of Lake Avenue, became the somber backdrop for Rochester’s 20th homicide of 2025, as reported by the Rochester Police Department’s Open Data Portal. The incident unfolded in a neighborhood accustomed to the hum of daily life, now grappling with the weight of loss and unanswered questions.
Investigators from the Major Crimes Homicide Unit are piecing together the moments leading up to the fatal encounter. No charges have been filed as of yet, and the identity of the third party who fired the shots remains unknown. The police are urging anyone with information or video footage to come forward, offering multiple avenues for tips: call 911, contact the Major Crimes Unit at (585) 428-7157, reach out to Crime Stoppers at (585) 423-9300, or email [email protected].
As the investigation continues, the Rochester community is left reeling, mourning the loss of a life cut short and seeking clarity in the wake of this devastating event. The quiet streets of Spencer Street now carry the echo of a tragedy that has touched the hearts of many, reminding all of the fragility of peace and the urgent need for answers.