Rodney Lowman Convicted by a Jury of Manslaughter in the 2nd Degree and Operator Leave Scene of Incident Resulting in Death

Lowman Also Convicted by a Separate Jury of two counts of Criminal Sexual Act in the 1st Degree, two counts of Criminal Sexual Act in the 2nd Degree, three counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 2nd Degree, and Reckless Endangerment in the 1st Degree

Rochester, NY- On the evening of Friday, October 3, 2025, a Monroe County jury convicted 44- year-old Rodney Lowman of Manslaughter in the 2nd Degree and Operator Leave Scene of Incident Resulting in Death for causing the hit-and-run death of 36-year-old Richard Massey, Jr. On Wednesday, September 24, 2025, a Monroe County jury convicted the same defendant of two counts of Criminal Sexual Act in the 1st Degree, two counts of Criminal Sexual Act in the 2nd Degree, three counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 2nd Degree, and Reckless Endangerment in the 1st Degree.

On February 6, 2022, shortly before 2:20AM, Richard Massey, Jr. pulled over on the side of North Winton Road, near Blossom Road, to help a friend involved in a minor car accident. As the victim exited his car, he was hit by one of the drivers involved in the accident, before the driver fled the scene. Rochester Police Officers responded to the scene, where Mr. Massey was found deceased. Rochester Police Investigators began a thorough investigation to solve this homicide.

On March 4, 2023, Rochester Police responded to a disturbance on Sherwood Avenue, where Lowman opened fire inside a residence following a confrontation. The investigation revealed that the altercation stemmed from Lowman’s sexual abuse of a young girl under the age of 15, the daughter of the woman who lived in the home. Lowman was arrested and charged for both the sexual abuse and the shooting incident.

After his arrest for the 2023 incident, Lowman was also charged for the 2022 hit-and-run, leading to a separate indictment for the death of Richard Massey, Jr.

The homicide case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Drew Kroft and Assistant District Attorney Diane Orosz-Roy, both of the Vehicular Crime Bureau.

“Richard Massey, Jr. lost his life doing what came naturally to him, helping a friend in need,” said Assistant District Attorney Drew Kroft. “Rodney Lowman chose to callously flee instead of facing the consequences of his reckless actions. While no verdict can ever replace the life that was taken, I hope this conviction offers the Massey family some measure of peace and justice after years of uncertainty.”

This sexual abuse and weapons case was prosecuted by Special Assistant District Attorney Jessica Wagner, of the Special Victims Unit.

“Rodney Lowman’s actions showed a complete disregard for human dignity and safety,” said Assistant District Attorney Jessica Wagner. “The defendant violated a child, then turned violent when confronted with his crimes. The courage shown by the young victim and her mother by facing him in court was extraordinary. Because of their bravery, he will no longer be able to harm anyone else in our community.”

“Through two separate cases, Rodney Lowman demonstrated that he is a danger both to those closest to him and to our entire community.,” said Monroe County District Attorney Brian Green. “These convictions ensure that he is finally held accountable for his callous and reprehensible actions. To the family of Richard Massey, Jr. - I hope today’s verdict brings a measure of clarity and comfort as you continue to mourn his loss. And to the brave survivor who faced her abuser in court, your strength and courage not only made justice possible, but also served to protect others in the community.”

Rodney Lowman will be sentenced on December 1, 2025, in front of New York State Supreme Court Justice Thomas Moran.