Terrance Wright Pleads Guilty to Manslaughter in the 1st Degree

Rochester, NY- On Thursday, June 25, 2026, 37-year-old Terrance Wright pled guilty to Manslaughter in the 1st Degree for killing Richard Gollwitzer.

At approximately 11:00 p.m. on May 8, 2025, Rochester Police Officers responded to an isolated area of Orchard Street for the report of an injured person. Upon arrival, first responders discovered Richard Gollwitzer deceased from a gunshot wound to the head.

Following a thorough investigation, Rochester Police Department detectives determined that there was a connection between the scene and a house on Smith Street in the City of Rochester. During the investigation, Terrance Wright was arrested on an unrelated warrant. Through video surveillance and extensive investigative work, detectives identified Terrance Wright as the shooter, leading to his arrest for the homicide.

The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant District Attorney Aliyah Fowler.

“The Rochester Police Department conducted an outstanding investigation that led to the identification and arrest of Terrance Wright for this homicide,” said Assistant District Attorney Aliyah Fowler. “By taking Richard Gollwitzer's life, the defendant demonstrated a complete disregard for human life. Today's guilty plea is the result of the dedication and professionalism of the Rochester Police Department detectives, whose investigation ensured that the defendant was held accountable."

“Richard Gollwitzer's life was taken through a senseless act of violence, and while no conviction can undo that loss, today's admission of guilt provides a measure of justice for his loved ones,” said Monroe County District Attorney Brian Green. “I commend the Rochester Police Department for their outstanding investigative work and thank Assistant District Attorney Aliyah Fowler for her commitment to securing accountability in this case.”

Terrance Wright will be sentenced on July 30, 2026, in front of New York State Supreme Court Justice Victoria Argento. He is expected to be sentenced to 20 years in the New York State Department of Corrections plus 5 years of post-release supervision.