Kitana Kendrick Obituary, Death – Authorities in Rochester have released the identity of the woman who tragically lost her life after being struck by a stray bullet during an early morning incident in the city’s northeast area. According to Capt. Frank Umbrino of the Rochester Police Department (RPD), the victim has been identified as 31-year-old Kitana Kendrick, a resident of Rochester. The incident occurred around 1:50 a.m. on Sunday, November 2, near Pulaski Park on Gothic Street, when officers were dispatched to the scene following reports of gunfire in the area.
When police arrived, they discovered Kendrick lying in the street with an injury to her upper body. Emergency responders quickly transported her to Strong Memorial Hospital, but despite medical efforts, she was later pronounced dead.
Investigators believe Kendrick was unintentionally struck by a stray bullet during a dispute that escalated among a group of individuals nearby. Captain Umbrino explained that although Kendrick was present at the scene with the people involved, she was not the intended target of the gunfire. Authorities have clarified that none of the individuals engaged in the altercation lived on Gothic Street, suggesting that the gathering may have originated elsewhere before moving to the area.
The Rochester Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit has taken over the investigation and is working to identify those responsible. As of now, no arrests have been made and no charges have been filed. Detectives are currently reviewing surveillance footage, collecting evidence, and interviewing witnesses to piece together the chain of events leading up to the shooting.
Authorities are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or possesses video footage to come forward and assist with the investigation. Information can be shared by calling 911, reaching the RPD’s Major Crimes Unit at (585) 428-7157, contacting Crime Stoppers at (585) 423-9300, or emailing MajorCrimes@cityofrochester.gov. Tipsters may remain anonymous when submitting information through Crime Stoppers.
The Rochester Police Department has expressed condolences to Kendrick’s family and emphasized their commitment to finding those responsible. The incident has deeply affected the local community, especially as it underscores ongoing concerns about disputes escalating into violence.
Community leaders and local residents have spoken out following the tragedy, calling for stronger community engagement and conflict resolution efforts to help prevent similar incidents. Many have emphasized the importance of open communication and nonviolent approaches when disagreements arise, especially in social settings where tensions may increase.
This case adds to a troubling pattern of incidents in which bystanders have been harmed due to conflicts that spiral out of control. Police and city officials continue to highlight the need for collaboration between law enforcement and the public to reduce gun-related violence and enhance neighborhood safety.
Rochester’s local advocacy groups and outreach organizations are also stepping in, offering support to families affected by violence and working to create educational programs focused on peacebuilding and mediation. They stress that these community-driven efforts can help address the root causes of violent behavior and provide young people with positive alternatives.
As investigators continue their work, the Rochester Police Department remains focused on uncovering the full circumstances surrounding the incident. Authorities have not yet released further details about the individuals involved in the argument or what may have triggered it. Updates will be provided as new information becomes available.
For now, the loss of Kitana Kendrick serves as a solemn reminder of how quickly disputes can escalate and the devastating effects that violence can have on innocent lives. City officials and residents alike are calling for continued community cooperation, stronger outreach programs, and lasting solutions to reduce such tragedies in the future.
