Rochester Man, 36, Found Shot Dead in Wooded Area; Police Seek Answers
In the quiet dusk of a May evening, a life was cut short in Rochester, New York, leaving a community grappling with grief and questions. On May 8, 2025, at approximately 9:45 p.m., Rochester Police Department officers responded to reports of a possible assault along Orchard Street, a typically unassuming area of the city. What they discovered in a wooded patch on the north side of a building was the lifeless body of 36-year-old Richard Gollwitzer, a resident of Ogden, New York. Gollwitzer had sustained at least one gunshot wound to his upper body, and despite the swift response of emergency personnel, he was pronounced dead at the scene. His death, now classified as a homicide, has sparked an intensive investigation by the Rochester Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit, as authorities work to piece together the events leading to this tragedy.
The loss of Gollwitzer, a man whose life and story are only beginning to emerge, has cast a somber shadow over Rochester, a city that has seen its share of violence but remains resilient in its pursuit of justice and safety. Police have yet to release detailed information about Gollwitzer’s background, but the confirmation of his identity has prompted an outpouring of concern from neighbors and community members. Orchard Street, located in a mixed residential and commercial area, is not typically associated with violent crime, making the incident all the more jarring for those who live and work nearby. The wooded area where Gollwitzer was found, tucked away from the bustle of daily life, has become a focal point for investigators combing for clues.
The Rochester Police Department has mobilized significant resources to uncover the circumstances of Gollwitzer’s death. The Major Crimes Unit, tasked with handling the city’s most serious offenses, is leading the investigation. Preliminary reports indicate that Gollwitzer’s gunshot wound was not self-inflicted, pointing to foul play. As detectives work to establish a timeline and identify potential suspects, they are relying heavily on community cooperation. Authorities have issued a public appeal for information, urging anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity or possesses video footage from the area to come forward. Contact points include the RPD Homicide Unit at (585) 428-7157, Crime Stoppers for anonymous tips at (585) 423-9300, an email to MajorCrimes@cityofrochester.gov, or a direct call to 911. The emphasis on public assistance underscores the challenges of solving cases in areas where foot traffic may be minimal and witnesses scarce.
Rochester has experienced a complex relationship with violent crime in recent years. While 2024 saw a notable decline in homicides—down to 37 incidents from a high of 81 in 2021—the city continues to confront the human toll of each loss. Gollwitzer’s death marks at least the seventh homicide in Rochester in 2025, a sobering reminder that the fight against violence remains ongoing. The Major Crimes Unit, already stretched thin with a limited number of investigators, faces mounting pressure to deliver answers. Community leaders and law enforcement have long emphasized the importance of collaboration in reducing crime, and this case is no exception. Mayor Malik Evans, who has been vocal about public safety initiatives, has yet to comment specifically on Gollwitzer’s case, but his administration has consistently advocated for transparency and engagement through the RPD’s Open Data Portal, which tracks crime trends.
As the investigation unfolds, the Rochester Police Department is exploring all possible leads. No arrests have been announced, and details about potential motives or suspects remain undisclosed, a standard practice to preserve the integrity of the case. The wooded area where Gollwitzer was found is being meticulously examined for forensic evidence, and officers are canvassing the neighborhood for any overlooked details. The public’s role cannot be overstated—whether through a doorbell camera recording or a fleeting observation, even the smallest piece of information could prove pivotal.
For now, Richard Gollwitzer’s loved ones and the broader Rochester community are left to mourn a life taken too soon. The investigation into his death is a call to action for residents to stand together, not only to seek justice for Gollwitzer but to reaffirm a collective commitment to a safer future. As the city waits for answers, the memory of that May evening serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the urgent need for unity in the face of tragedy.
