Markus Graham Pleads Guilty to Manslaughter in the 1st Degree

Rochester, NY- On Thursday, June 11, 2026, 24-year-old Markus Graham pled guilty to Manslaughter in the 1st Degree for killing Jesse Jamison.

At approximately 10:40 p.m. on January 29, 2025, Rochester Police Officers and Rochester Firefighters responded to Coulton Place in the City of Rochester for a report of a vehicle crash involving a car on fire. Upon arrival, first responders discovered Jesse Jamison deceased in the driver's seat of the burning vehicle. The victim had sustained a gunshot wound to the temple.

Following a thorough investigation, Rochester Police Department detectives determined that Markus Graham targeted Jesse Jamison following an earlier conflict. After the defendant shot and killed Jesse Jamison, who was in the driver’s seat of the vehicle, the vehicle accelerated and crashed into an unoccupied parked car, igniting the fire. Markus Graham was subsequently arrested and charged in connection with the homicide.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Megan Hausner, Chief of the Local Courts Bureau, and Assistant District Attorney Taylor Smith, of the Local Courts Bureau.

“The Rochester Police Department conducted an outstanding investigation that led to the identification and arrest of Markus Graham for this senseless homicide,” said Assistant District Attorney Megan Hausner. “This defendant's violent actions not only took the life of Jesse Jamison, but also created a dangerous fire that threatened the safety of nearby residents. I want to thank the responding Rochester Firefighters for their swift actions in extinguishing the blaze and preventing further harm. Today's guilty plea is the result of the dedication and professionalism of the Rochester Police Department investigators whose work ensured that this defendant was held accountable.”

“While nothing can undo this violent homicide, today's admission of guilt is an important step toward justice and accountability for our community,” said Monroe County District Attorney Brian Green. “I commend the Rochester Police Department, Rochester Fire Department, ADA Megan Hausner, and ADA Taylor Smith for their commitment to securing this outcome.”

Markus Graham will be sentenced on July 23, 2026, in front of Monroe County Court Judge Michael Ansaldi. He is expected to be sentenced to a determinate sentence between 22-25 years in the New York State Department of Corrections plus 5 years of post-release supervision.