Rochester, N.Y. – The Rochester Police Department (RPD) has identified 36-year-old Richard Gollwitzer as the victim of a deadly shooting that occurred on May 8, 2025, in a wooded area along Orchard Street, in the heart of Rochester, New York. The tragic incident has left the community shaken and the police working tirelessly to uncover the circumstances surrounding the death of a man whose life was abruptly taken.

The Incident: Discovery and Immediate Response

The events leading to Richard Gollwitzer’s death began on Thursday, May 8, around 9:45 p.m., when the Rochester Police Department received reports of a possible assault and an injured individual near the area of Orchard Street. Officers were quickly dispatched to the scene, responding to what initially appeared to be an assault. Upon their arrival, law enforcement officers located Gollwitzer in a wooded area located on the north side of a building. Tragically, he was found unresponsive, having suffered at least one gunshot wound to the upper body. The police confirmed that Gollwitzer was pronounced dead at the scene, marking a sad and violent chapter in the city’s ongoing struggles with gun violence.

Investigation and Evidence

Given the circumstances of the discovery and the gunshot wounds sustained by the victim, the incident has been classified as a homicide. The RPD Major Crimes Unit has taken the lead on the investigation and is actively working to uncover the details surrounding the shooting. At this stage, law enforcement officials have not made any arrests and have appealed to the public for help in piecing together what happened.

Authorities are asking anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Specifically, the police are interested in speaking with individuals who may have witnessed any suspicious activity in the area, particularly in the time leading up to and around the moment of the shooting. Additionally, video footage from nearby security cameras or dash cams could prove valuable to investigators as they attempt to reconstruct the events of that night.

The Community’s Response

The news of Gollwitzer’s death has been met with shock and sadness within the Rochester community, where residents are grappling with the loss of another life to gun violence. While specifics about Gollwitzer’s background and personal life remain limited, law enforcement has acknowledged the grief that this incident brings, especially in an area already familiar with the effects of violent crime.

The shooting of Richard Gollwitzer raises concerns about safety in certain neighborhoods and the prevalence of gun violence in urban areas. Rochester, like many cities across the United States, continues to battle rising crime rates, particularly shootings and homicides. Gollwitzer’s death is a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the urgency needed to address the root causes of violence in communities across the nation.

As the investigation unfolds, community leaders and organizations have started to call for increased awareness, cooperation, and intervention to stem the tide of gun violence that continues to impact neighborhoods and families. In light of this tragedy, some community groups have planned vigils and public meetings to address local safety concerns, offer support to the affected families, and discuss possible solutions to prevent future deaths.

A Plea for Information

At present, the Rochester Police Department is still following leads in hopes of determining the circumstances behind Gollwitzer’s tragic death. In addition to gathering witness statements, investigators are looking into whether any relevant video footage exists from nearby businesses or residents that might provide further insight into the shooting. The RPD has released multiple contact points for individuals who might have any information, encouraging anonymity for those who wish to remain confidential.

The police have urged anyone who may have seen something suspicious on May 8, or who possesses any information that could assist with the investigation, to reach out immediately. The contact information for the RPD Homicide Unit includes the phone number (585) 428-7157, and for those wishing to remain anonymous, Crime Stoppers offers an alternative through (585) 423-9300 or via email at MajorCrimes@cityofrochester.gov.

In cases like these, where every small piece of evidence can contribute to unraveling the truth, public cooperation is essential. The police have reiterated that no matter how insignificant a detail may seem, it could potentially lead to breakthroughs in understanding what led to Gollwitzer’s death.

No Arrests Yet, Investigation Ongoing

As the investigation continues, the police are working diligently to gather all available evidence and to pursue any new leads that come to light. At this time, no arrests have been made, but investigators have assured the public that all efforts are being made to solve the case. Law enforcement has also emphasized that they are exploring all possible motives and avenues in the investigation, from potential personal conflicts to broader criminal activity in the area.

The killing of Richard Gollwitzer is the latest in a series of incidents of gun violence in Rochester, raising alarms about the ongoing challenge of addressing violence in urban environments. With homicide rates rising across many American cities, Rochester is not unique in facing such tragedies, but it highlights the need for comprehensive strategies to prevent such senseless acts and to bring justice to victims and their families.

A Call for Action on Gun Violence

The shooting death of Gollwitzer serves as yet another sobering reminder of the pervasive issue of gun violence in the United States. While Rochester has seen efforts to curb violent crime through community engagement programs, law enforcement initiatives, and local outreach, incidents like these continue to reveal the significant work that remains to be done.

City officials and local activists have renewed their calls for stronger gun control laws, more comprehensive mental health services, and better community policing practices in the wake of Gollwitzer’s death. This incident, like others before it, emphasizes the need for both immediate intervention and long-term strategies to break the cycle of violence and to provide hope for a safer future.

Conclusion: The Search for Justice

As the search for answers continues, the family and friends of Richard Gollwitzer are left to cope with the grief and pain of an untimely death. While details about his life remain limited, the impact of his loss is deeply felt by those who knew him. The community of Rochester, too, feels the weight of this tragedy, as gun violence continues to haunt neighborhoods, taking lives and leaving scars that last far beyond the moment of death.

In the days and weeks ahead, the Rochester Police Department hopes to bring justice to Gollwitzer’s family by solving the case and holding those responsible for his death accountable. For now, the investigation remains ongoing, and the public is urged to help in any way they can. As authorities continue to follow leads, the memory of Richard Gollwitzer and the painful reality of his untimely death will resonate throughout Rochester, a city committed to understanding and addressing the root causes of violence while honoring the lives that have been lost too soon.