Maplewood Park Mass Shooting Investigation Continues One Year Later

One year after the deadly mass shooting at Maplewood Park in Rochester, New York, families of the victims continue to seek justice amid ongoing grief and limited police updates. On July 28, 2024, gunfire erupted during a large cookout, killing two women, 25-year-old Tyasia Manning, a City of Rochester employee, and 34-year-old Phylicia Council, and injuring five others. Despite the arrest of 21-year-old Niger Johnson, who was charged with reckless endangerment and criminal possession of a weapon but not directly accused of shooting anyone, no other suspects have been charged, leaving families frustrated and feeling justice is far away. Relatives recall the victims’ loving and caring nature while expressing sorrow over the lack of communication from authorities and the slow progress in the case. Community members and victims' families have called for renewed investigative efforts, including possible FBI involvement, to bring closure. The investigation continues as police ask the public for assistance in solving the mass shooting, with the community holding memorials to honor the victims' memories.