Jury Finds Eric Leslie Guilty of Murder in the 2nd Degree for the Homicide of Vernel Rose

Rochester, NY- On Friday, October 3, 2025, a Monroe County jury convicted 38-year-old Eric Leslie of Murder in the 2nd Degree and four counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 2nd Degree for killing Vernel Rose on September 30, 2023.

On September 30, 2023, at approximately 8:30AM, Rochester Police Officers responded to North Goodman Street and Pennsylvania Avenue for reports of a man shot. Upon arrival, they located a 31-year-old Vernel Rose, deceased, with a gunshot wound to the head.

After a thorough investigation, Eric Leslie was identified as the suspect in the homicide. Rochester Police Officers determined that the two men were engaged in conversation that morning when Eric Leslie pulled out a pistol and shot Vernel Rose in the head before fleeing the scene in his vehicle.

Eric Leslie was apprehended in the vehicle connected to the murder, with two illegally possessed handguns. He was arrested and charged for the homicide and weapons possession. The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Michael Harrigan, Chief of the Major Felony Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Emily Chisholm, of the Non-Fatal Shooting Taskforce.

“On the morning of September 30, 2023, Eric Leslie made the choice to end a man’s life with a single act of senseless violence,” said Assistant District Attorney Michael Harrigan. “In broad daylight, he pulled out an illegal handgun and murdered Vernel Rose in cold blood and today’s conviction holds him accountable for that decision. While nothing can undo this tragedy, I hope this verdict brings some measure of justice to Mr. Rose’s family and loved ones, who have endured an unthinkable loss for two years.”

“The loss of Vernel Rose is a tragedy that no family should ever have to endure,” said Monroe County District Attorney Brian Green. “Today’s conviction delivers justice for Mr. Rose and his loved ones, and it also protects the safety of our community by ensuring that the man responsible for his death can no longer cause harm. I commend the Rochester Police Department and Assistant District Attorneys Michael Harrigan and Emily Chisholm for their tireless work in bringing this case to trial. My office will continue to stand with victims’ families and remain steadfast in our commitment to pursuing justice and keeping Monroe County safe.”

Eric Leslie will be sentenced on December 10, 2025, in front of New York State Supreme Court Justice Healy.