Rochester, N.Y. - Cleophus Cleveland says his friend hosted a rap event at the Bug Jar Sunday night. He told us "We had an event there before and it was all good, but last night there was fighting...when we was leaving as we were pulling off shots were fired, so we peeled off."
Cleophus didn't realize a 21-year-old man, the same age as him, was shot and later died. "We just turned around and somebody started shooting...I didn't know someone died..that's crazy...It's always sad when someone dies, it could've been me...I could have been hit."
The 21-year-old hasn't been identified yet. He is from Rochester. Rochester Police say the victim stumbled down the street, they found him near his car.
Police say the victim was conscious and was able to give them some information before he died.
Police Chief James Sheppard says the Bug Jar was hosting a Rap Battle where performers "battle it out" on the stage. The Chief says a fight started on the stage and then spilled outside on Monroe Avenue.
Neighbors blame the rap battle theme for problems. They say it draws a rowdier crowd. Todd Dentico agrees. His band, the Grinders performs at The Bug Jar.
Dentico says: "When there's rock and roll there, there are never any problems."
Dentico says he can't recall any trouble at the Bug Jar in the past.
But Cleophus says rap isn't to blame. He told us: "animosity, some people don't like each other and what they are saying."
He also says: people settle differences with violence instead of talking: "music groups from different sides of town with egos, something to prove...it can be dangerous, it really is."
Police are looking for witnesses who were there. If you have any information, call 911.
They say officers will meet with owners of the bar to discuss concerns about what happened and how to prevent fights and other problems at future events.
