Rochester Police Investigating Deadly Shooting on North Plymouth Avenue; Victim Identified as 34-Year-Old Isiah Nesmith

Rochester Police Investigating Deadly Shooting on North Plymouth Avenue; Victim Identified as 34-Year-Old Isiah Nesmith

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (September 18, 2025) — The Rochester Police Department is actively investigating a deadly shooting that occurred late Wednesday evening on North Plymouth Avenue, claiming the life of 34-year-old Isiah Nesmith in what authorities have described as a sudden and violent barrage of gunfire.

The fatal incident has left both the Nesmith family and the wider Rochester community grappling with shock, sorrow, and renewed concerns about escalating gun violence in the city.

Gunfire Erupts in Residential Neighborhood

Police were dispatched to the 500 block of North Plymouth Avenue shortly before 9:30 p.m. following multiple 911 calls reporting shots fired in the area. When officers arrived, they found Isiah Nesmith suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

Despite rapid response by first responders and life-saving measures attempted at the scene, Nesmith was pronounced dead shortly thereafter by paramedics from the Rochester Fire Department and Monroe Ambulance.

Investigators believe the gunfire came from multiple shooters and possibly from different directions, though the motive remains under investigation. Shell casings were recovered from the scene, and officers spent hours combing the area for surveillance footage and witness statements.

Victim Identified as Isiah Nesmith, Age 34

On Thursday morning, officials identified the victim as Isiah Nesmith, a 34-year-old Rochester resident. Nesmith’s name was shared with the public after notification of next of kin.

Friends and family gathered near the scene in the hours following the shooting, mourning the loss of a man they described as soft-spoken, respectful, and dedicated to his family.

“He was trying to get his life on track. He didn’t deserve this,” said a longtime friend who declined to be named. “Isiah was loved by so many. This is senseless.”

According to those close to him, Nesmith had recently returned to Rochester after living out of state for several years and was working toward starting his own business. He leaves behind two young children, who family members say were his greatest motivation.

Police Call for Public’s Help

Rochester Police are urging anyone with information to come forward, especially those who may have seen anything suspicious in the moments before or after the shooting.

“This level of violence is unacceptable,” said RPD Captain Frank Umbrino in a media briefing. “We are doing everything in our power to track down those responsible, but we need the community’s cooperation. Someone out there knows what happened. Please, do the right thing.”

Investigators are looking into whether the shooting was targeted or retaliatory in nature. At this time, no arrests have been made, and police have not disclosed whether they have any suspects.

Residents in the neighborhood expressed frustration, sadness, and fatigue over what they say is a persistent cycle of violence with no end in sight.

“We’re tired of burying our people,” said community activist Latasha Green. “It’s always another mother crying, another child without a father. Something has to change.”

Rising Gun Violence in Rochester

This incident marks another addition to Rochester’s growing tally of gun-related homicides in 2025. According to recent statistics from the Monroe County Crime Analysis Center, Rochester has seen a 16% increase in shootings compared to the same time last year.

City leaders have pointed to a combination of illicit firearms, gang-related activity, economic instability, and community trauma as root causes — but solutions remain elusive.

Efforts like violence interruption programs, community patrols, and youth engagement initiatives are underway, but advocates argue that more investment and coordination are urgently needed to stop the bloodshed.

Remembering Isiah Nesmith

As police continue their search for answers, the family of Isiah Nesmith is preparing to say goodbye. Loved ones are planning a vigil in his honor, tentatively scheduled for Friday evening near the site of the shooting.

In a statement released by the family through a local church, they wrote:

“Isiah was more than just a name in a headline. He was a son, a father, a brother, and a friend. He made mistakes, like we all do, but he was trying to be better—for his kids, for himself, for all of us. We ask for prayers, for justice, and for peace.”

How You Can Help

The Rochester Police Department is asking anyone with information to call the Major Crimes Unit at (585) 428-7157, or to submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at (585) 423-9300 or RochesterCrimestoppers.com.

A Community in Mourning

As candles are lit and photos of Isiah are placed on makeshift memorials, another family joins the growing list of those grieving in Rochester. While investigations continue, so does the community’s plea: Stop the violence.

🕯️ Rest in peace, Isiah Nesmith.
You were loved. You will be missed. You will not be forgotten.