Rochester, N.Y—Jacqueline Brumfield Cook and her younger brother, Karl Brumfield were inseparable.
Jacqueline fondly remembers Karl coming over for dinner on Sundays—a weekly ritual. She remembers his laugh, his smile and his love for his 17-year-old daughter, Stephanie.
These days, all Jacqueline can do is remember. That’s because Karl’s life was taken from him in a shooting.
According to Rochester Police Investigator Mike Houlihan, 48-year-old Karl Brumfield was shot and killed on the porch at his home at 52 Bartlett Street. The shooting happened around 6:30 at night on Tuesday, January 29, 2013. According to Houlihan, several witnesses said they heard an altercation before the shooting.
Houlihan also believes there are several more witnesses out there who have not yet come forward.
“We have reason to believe that there are more people out there who may have seen what occurred and may have knowledge as to who may have been responsible,” he says.
Police won’t comment on a motive. Houlihan says Brumfield was a well-liked member of the community and had no criminal record.
“He's my little brother,” Jacquline said. “Our family is torn apart, because of his murder, this senseless murder. I know it won't bring him back, but we need to see justice.”
Karl’s cousin, Donnell Brumfield Jr., says he is devastated by Karl’s murder.
“My cousin was a beautiful person and I want people to know that the ones who did this destroyed our family,” he said.
Donnell believes his cousin was targeted for a robbery. He mentioned that Karl had recently purchased a used, but nice BMW. Donnell thinks this gave the perpetrator or perpetrators the impression that Karl had lots of money.
When the weather gets nice, Donnell, his family and Karl’s friends will gather for a barbeque on Karl’s porch. They will wear t-shirts memorializing Karl. They will share happy memories about the life he lived, and just like they used to when Karl was alive, they will ride their motorcycles together. Karl loved all things fast.
But in the end, the family wants to see justice served. They want the see the person or people who killed their father, brother, cousin and son to be held responsible for their actions. They are begging anyone with information to call the police.
“Please come forward if you have any information on who murdered my brother,” Jacqueline said. “Karl was well-known in our area and loved by a lot of people. I know someone out there knows something. Please, please let my brother have justice.”
If you have information about Karl Brumfield’s murder, you can call CrimeStoppers at 423-9300. You can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward if your tip leads to an arrest.
