Rochester, N.Y.— With just a few days remaining in 2011, the homicide rate in the city is on pace to be lower. In the past decade, Rochester has averaged 47 homicides each year. As of December 28, 2011, there have been 30.
On Thursday, Strong Memorial Hospital said that Rashad Bevel, 23, died after being shot in the head on Avenue D Tuesday night. On Wednesday, the hospital declared Bevel brain dead. His death is the 30th homicide this year.
In 2010, there were 41 homicides and in the year before that, 29.
While the rate may be down, families of homicide victims say even one homicide is one too many.
Mary James’ son, Terry Crittenden, was shot and killed this year on November 22 on North and Herald Streets.
“I was devastated,” says James. “No one has the right to take someone’s life. With Terry gone, it's like a whole part of me is missing."
To keep her son’s memory alive, James and Crittenden’s close friends visit his memorial set up on North Street.
They say they’re not surprised to hear that homicides are down because medical technology has saved more lives, but they feel frequency of shootings has not changed.
“These streets aren't getting any better,” says Crittenden’s friend who wanted to remain anonymous. “It's too easy to come across a gun and these kids out here think it's cool to be on the corner with guns instead of being in school.”
Crittenden’s murder is still unsolved. The family wants to see the person or people responsible brought to justice. His homicide is one of thirteen homicides this year that are still open cases.
On Thursday, the family begged anyone with information to have the courage to come forward. They also asked that no one else cause another family to experience the type of pain they feel.
“The violence has to stop,” James said. “We have to take a look at ourselves deep inside and make a change. We can't change anyone but ourselves."
If you have any information about Crittenden’s homicide, please call CrimeStoppers at 423-9300.
