Stephan Jefferson Sentenced to 40 Years

Rochester, NY- On Monday, August 31, 2026, New York State Supreme Court Justice Stephen Miller sentenced 23-year-old Stephan Jefferson to 40 years in the New York State Department of Corrections. He previously pled guilty to Manslaughter in the 1st Degree and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 2nd Degree for shooting and killing Dwayne Hall.

At approximately 3:45 p.m. on July 12, 2023, Rochester Police Officers responded to the report of a person who was shot on Genesee Street in the City of Rochester. Upon arrival, first responders attempted life-saving measures for 38-year-old Dwayne Hall, who was shot in the chest. The victim was immediately transported to Strong Memorial Hospital, where he died from his injuries.

Following a thorough investigation, Rochester Police Department detectives determined that Stephan Jefferson and Dwayne Hall were involved in a verbal altercation that turned physical. At the conclusion of the altercation, Stephan Jefferson shot the victim. The defendant fled the scene after the shooting, but was apprehended and arrested the following day in possession of a loaded handgun.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Patrick Gallagher, Chief of the Domestic Violence Bureau, and Special Assistant District Attorney Ryan Lamon, of the Major Felony Bureau.

“This was a senseless act of violence that took Dwayne Hall’s life and forced his family to endure a loss that can never be undone,” said Assistant District Attorney Patrick Gallagher. “Stephan Jefferson had every opportunity to walk away from this confrontation, but instead he chose to use an illegally possessed firearm and shoot Dwayne in front of the people who loved him. Today’s 40-year sentence reflects the seriousness of that decision and ensures the defendant will spend decades being held accountable for taking Dwayne’s life. I want to thank the Rochester Police Department detectives who quickly identified and apprehended the defendant, as well as Dwayne’s loved ones for their strength throughout this process.”

“Dwayne Hall should still be here with his family and loved ones,” said Monroe County District Attorney Brian Green. “Instead, a confrontation that could have ended with both men walking away ended in tragedy because Stephan Jefferson chose gun violence. I am grateful to the Rochester Police Department for their work on this investigation and to Assistant District Attorney Patrick Gallagher and Assistant District Attorney Ryan Lamon for ensuring that Stephan Jefferson was held accountable for Dwayne Hall’s death. My thoughts remain with Dwayne’s family as they continue to live with this tremendous loss.”