Jalen Reed Convicted by a Jury of Murder in the 2nd Degree

Rochester, N.Y. – On Tuesday, November 10, 2026, a Monroe County jury convicted 33-year-old Jalen Reed on one count of Murder in the 2nd Degree, and two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 2nd Degree for the murder of Nathan Bernard.

On April 29, 2020, at approximately 7:45 p.m., Rochester police officers responded to a report of multiple shots fired on Genesee Street near Dr. Samuel McCree Way. Officers found the victim, Bernard, unconscious and bleeding on the ground. He was taken to Strong Memorial Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

After a thorough investigation by the Rochester Police Department, Jalen Reed was identified as the shooter. Reed approached a group and fired multiple rounds from a handgun, hitting Bernard, the intended target. Investigators found shell casings left at the scene that matched the murder weapon, DNA evidence, and surveillance video. Reed was seen fleeing the area immediately after the shooting. Reed was later arrested as he left a city residence.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Emily Chisolm, Deputy Chief of the Major Felony Bureau and Special Assistant District Attorney Matt Hogestyn.

“Today, the jury determined that Jalen Reed’s actions have consequences,” said Assistant District Attorney Matthew Hogestyn. “The decision Jalen made will forever impact family and friends. Our hope is this conviction offers justice for the victim’s family as they continue to heal from this tragic loss.”