Monroe County District Attorney Brian Green

On Friday, members of the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office, proudly joined law enforcement agencies and Special Olympics athletes from across our community for the 2026 Rochester Law Enforcement Torch Run benefiting the Special Olympics New York.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run is more than a run, it is a powerful show of support, inclusion, and commitment to the incredible athletes who inspire us all. Running alongside the Flame of Hope and Special Olympics participants was an honor for our office.

We cannot talk about the Torch Run, without honoring retired Rochester Police Department Lieutenant John Prewasniacak, who passed away last month. John was the NY Law Enforcement Torch Run Director and active with the Special Olympics New York. His presence was missed.

Jury Finds Michael Garcia Guilty of Murder in the 2nd Degree for the Homicide of Danyelisse Pabon-Cubero

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.

Many do not know, but we have a skilled team of investigators in house at the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office. These men and women support the office with dedication, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to justice. Our investigators are all retired law enforcement officers and bring great knowledge and experience to our office.

Led by Chief Investigator CJ Dominic, these professionals support complex cases, work closely with witnesses, ensure details don’t fall through the cracks, and impact the entire office. Thank you for all that you do.

Members of the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office were proud to participate in First Responders Day hosted by Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES Career and Technical Education – WEMOCO.

Assistant District Attorney Drew Kroft, Investigator Jay Bushen, Legal Secretaries Vanessa Matos and Adriana Toth, and Grand Jury Stenographer Lauren Sherwood spent the morning connecting with students interested in careers in public safety and criminal justice, sharing their experiences and providing insight into the important work being done throughout our justice system each day.

Thank you to Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES for inviting our office to take part in this outstanding hands-on learning opportunity and for helping inspire the next generation of public servants.

Twice this week, I was happy to welcome students from Pittsford Sutherland High School to the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office for a field trip and conversation about the criminal justice system. Thank you for your thoughtful questions and engagement, it is always encouraging to meet young people who are interested in public service, the law, and the important work being done to keep our community safe.

Jury Finds Derrick Van Epps Guilty of Attempted Murder in the 2nd Degree as a Hate Crime and Assault in the 2nd Degree as a Hate Crime

Rochester, NY- On Tuesday, May 26, 2026, a Monroe County jury convicted 31-year-old Derrick Van Epps of Attempted Murder in the 2nd Degree as a Hate Crime and Assault in the 2nd Degree as a Hate Crime.

On June 23, 2025, at approximately 11:50AM, a young man was hiking on a trail in the Town of Perinton. The victim passed Derrick Van Epps on the trail and exchanged pleasantries. After the two men passed each other, Derrick Van Epps turned around and violently stabbed the victim from behind, knocked him to the ground and continued to stab him with the knife. The victim fought off the attacker and escaped. Derrick Van Epps fled the park following the assault.

The victim searched for assistance, before cutting through the trail to a neighbor’s house, who called 911. The victim was transported to the hospital, where he received treatment for his injuries.
Following the report, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and the Town of Perinton Safety and Security Department began looking for the defendant. A Town security employee located Derrick Van Epps driving into a nearby park and he was apprehended by Monroe County Sheriff’s Deputies. After the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office conducted a thorough investigation, it was revealed that Derrick Van Epps targeted the victim, who was a complete stranger, based on the color of his skin. The defendant was charged with Attempted Murder in the 2nd Degree as a Hate Crime.
The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant District Attorney Stephen Ryck, of the Major Felony Bureau.

“Today’s conviction delivers justice for a young man who was targeted and nearly murdered simply because of the color of his skin,” said Assistant District Attorney Stephen Ryck. “This was a brutal, unprovoked act of violence fueled by hate and racism. Thanks to the exceptional work of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and the Town of Perinton Safety and Security Department, this dangerous defendant was quickly identified and apprehended before he could harm anyone else. Most importantly, we are incredibly grateful to the victim, whose courage, resilience, and willingness to relive this traumatic experience in court made today’s verdict possible. While no conviction can erase the physical and emotional scars left behind by this attack, we hope this verdict provides a measure of justice and accountability for the victim and his loved ones.”

“There is absolutely no place in Monroe County for hate-fueled violence, racism, or acts of terror against members of our community,” said Monroe County District Attorney Brian Green. “Derrick Van Epps targeted this victim because of the color of his skin and carried out a senseless, horrifying attack that could have ended a young man’s life. This conviction sends a clear message that hate crimes will be prosecuted aggressively and that those who commit acts of racist violence will be held fully accountable.”

Derrick Van Epps will be sentenced on July 9, 2026, in front of New York State Supreme Court Justice Stephen Miller.

I hope everyone enjoys time with family and friends this Memorial Day. While I try to always honor those who serve our country, today especially I will reflect on the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces who made the ultimate sacrifice in service for all of us who have the privilege to reside here. As we spend time with family and friends, let us also take time to reflect on the courage and dedication of those who gave their lives to protect the freedoms we enjoy every day. We are home of the free, because of the brave.

I was happy to welcome members of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Senior Academy from Perinton to the Hall of Justice today for a conversation about the work of the District Attorney’s Office and the importance of public safety in our community. Thank you to Deputy Levy for always organizing these opportunities and for the seniors for your excellent questions and conversation, I always appreciate the opportunity to connect directly with residents and discuss the issues that matter most to them.

Thank you to the students and staff at Brighton High School for inviting me to speak with your senior Social Studies classes.

I appreciated the opportunity to share more about the role of the District Attorney’s Office, including how our office is structured, what a typical day looks like, and how cases move through the criminal justice system. I also enjoyed answering thoughtful questions from students about the work we do and the path to becoming a prosecutor.

Engaging with students in settings like this is an important reminder of how valuable it is to connect young people with real-world perspectives on public service, law, and government. Thank you again for the invitation and for the great discussion.