Jury Finds Michael Garcia Guilty of Murder in the 2nd Degree

Rochester, NY – On Tuesday, June 9, 2026, a Monroe County jury convicted 19-year-old Michael Garcia of Murder in the 2nd Degree, Attempted Murder in the 2nd Degree, Assault in the 1st Degree, and two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 2nd Degree for the murder of 17-year-old Danyelisse Pabon-Cubero and the shooting and attempted murder of a Rochester man.

On April 30, 2025, shortly after 1:40 AM, Rochester Police Officers responded to a shooting outside a house on Alphonse Street in the City of Rochester. Upon arrival, a man was found with multiple gunshot wounds, and 17-year-old Danyelisse Pabon-Cubero was located inside the residence with at least one gunshot wound to her head. Both victims were immediately transported to Strong Memorial Hospital, where Danyelisse Pabon-Cubero died from her injuries. The second victim survived his injuries.

After a thorough investigation by the Rochester Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit, it was determined that Michael Garcia targeted the specific home due to a previous conflict. A confrontation began outside the home when the defendant started firing rounds from his illegally possessed firearm. Danyelisse Pabon-Cubero was not the intended target and was struck by the gunfire.

Following the shooting, Michael Garcia fled the scene. A Brockport Police Officer recognized the vehicle linked to the incident on North Main Street in the Village of Brockport. Michael Garcia was apprehended at that time by the Rochester Police Department Special Weapons and Tactics team, Monroe County Sheriff’s Deputies, and the Brockport Police Department.

The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant District Attorney Kenisha Flowers, of the Special Victim Unit, and Assistant District Attorney Patrick Gallagher, Chief of the Domestic Violence Bureau.

“Danyelisse Pabon-Cubero was only 17 years old, with her entire future ahead of her, when her life was stolen by senseless gun violence,” said Assistant District Attorney Kenisha Flowers. “She was not the intended target, yet she became the tragic victim of a reckless and violent act that forever devastated her loved ones and traumatized everyone involved. Michael Garcia’s actions not only took the life of an innocent young woman, but also caused lasting physical and emotional harm to another victim and irreparable pain to multiple families. While today’s verdict cannot undo this heartbreaking loss, we hope it provides Danyelisse’s family with a measure of justice and accountability as they continue to mourn her death.”

“Today’s verdict holds Michael Garcia accountable for a reckless act of gun violence that took the life of 17-year-old Danyelisse Pabon-Cubero and seriously injured another victim,” said Monroe County District Attorney Brian Green. “Danyelisse was an innocent young woman whose life was cut tragically short due to the defendant’s deliberate and dangerous actions. I want to commend Assistant District Attorneys Kenisha Flowers and Patrick Gallagher for their commitment to securing justice in this case. I also thank the Rochester Police Department, Brockport Police Department, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, and all law enforcement personnel involved in the investigation and apprehension of the defendant.”

Michael Garcia will be sentenced on July 17, 2026, in front of Monroe County Court Judge Caroline Morrison.