Morning News Brief
Written by Tom Tharp on December 3, 2023
Police are investigating a homicide at Popeyes on East Ridge Road in Rochester. Reports of a shooting at the restaurant came in around 7 p.m. on Friday night. Police said one man, identified as 30 year old Jose Centeno Torres, was shot multiple times in the upper body. He was taken to Rochester General Hospital, where he later died from his injuries. Police said the incident was not random and the suspect fled the scene. They report that an argument between 3 or 4 men grew into guns being drawn and shots fired. They are still searching for the suspect. Rochester police assisted Irondequoit police near the scene.
Buffalo Police are investigating a shooting incident that took place just after 2:30 a.m. Sunday at Club Marcella on Michigan Avenue. Police say a 30-year-old Buffalo man was shot inside a bathroom at the club. According to police, the man was transported to ECMC and is described as stable. This is the third shooting at Club Marcella in less than a year. On January 29, a security guard was shot in the parking lot. Two weeks later on February 12, one person was killed and two others were injured in a shooting inside the club. As a result of this most recent attack the Buffalo Police Commissioner has ordered the immediate shutdown of the nightclub.
An investigation has begun after a woman was found dead on Ketchum Street in Rochester Sunday morning. At around 2:30 a.m., officers were dispatched for a report of a deceased woman. Once there, they located a deceased adult woman who was outside. The cause of death is unknown and the investigation is ongoing.
Several organizations, including Stop the Violence Coalition, are calling out officials after they were promised at least $4 million of American Rescue Plan funds. The City of Buffalo received $331 million in ARP funds. Murray Holman, of Stop the Violence, says officials have not given the organizations a response. Mayor Byron Brown’s spokesperson says that they are trying to get the funds to programs and organizations in need but city councilman Rasheed Wyatt says that only those with connections to the Mayor’s office are getting the money. Congressman Brian Higgins office says that the money was given by the Federal Government to help these organizations but the City Government is ultimately responsible for distribution.
26 year old Samuel Baudanza of Bergen was arrested and charged with assault and criminal mischief on Saturday the 25th of November. Deputies were called to the restaurant Ralph and Rosie’s for a complaint of a male being disorderly in the restaurant. Baudanza allegedly was involved in a physical altercation with two individuals and broke merchandise in front of the restaurant. He was arraigned on the 26th and released.
The Rochester City School District Board of Education has shared new details on the special lottery for students who are currently in schools that will close next school year. The lottery system comes after the board approved a reconfiguration plan last month to close 11 schools that is meant to address a decline in enrollment. Families can visit the special lottery page on the district’s website to learn how they can start making selections. There will be scheduled open houses for families in different zones to check out new schools. The reconfiguration plan is kicking off the district’s “Invest in Tomorrow” strategy to improve learning opportunities for students.
Genesee County Park and Forest invites people to ring in the new year with a hike through the woods. On New Year’s Day 2024, ACORNS (Association for the Conservation of Recreational and Natural Spaces) is offering a First Day Hike at the Genesee County Park & Forest Hike starts at 10 am at Pavilion B on Raymond Road at the Genesee County Park & Forest. This casual recreational event offers 2 hiking options! Hike 1 is approximately 3 miles over rolling hills with moderate terrain. Hike 2 is approximately 1.5 miles over easy terrain. Both hikes begin and end at Pavilion B and feature time in the forest, beautiful natural scenery and snacks by a fire in an enclosed pavilion. Trails are not stroller friendly and may have tree branches overhead. All ages welcome, dogs also welcome and must be on a leash at all times.
AAA Gas Update: Gas is getting cheaper in Western NY. A gallon of regular gas in Batavia is currently 3.56. This is down 8 cents from last week and 21 cents from last month. The New York State Average is a bit lower at 3.54 which is only 4 cents down from last week. The national average is significantly lower than NY at 3.23, just 1 penny down from last week. The cost of oil is creeping higher as demand falls. If oil goes higher prices may level out but if they fall again we may see below 3 dollar prices soon.
