Slain teen’s ‘smile lit up every room’

Victoria E. Freile

New York Connect Team

USA TODAY NETWORK

East High School community is mourning the death of a Rochester teenager who was struck by a stray bullet on Alphonse Street last week.

Danyelisse Pabon-Cubero died May 5 from injuries she suffered when she and a man were shot on Alphonse Street early on April 30.

Pabon-Cubero, 17, was a senior at East High School in the Rochester City School District.

'Known for her radiant smile, kindness and generous spirit, Dany brought warmth and light to everyone around her,' East Superintendent Marlene Blocker said of Pabon-Cubero, who was an East student for six years.

'She was a dedicated volleyball player and an aspiring firefighter, full of compassion and optimism,' Blocker said, adding that the East community 'is stronger and richer' because Pabon-Cubero was a part of it.

'Her presence touched many lives, leaving a lasting impression on classmates, teachers and friends,' Blocker said.

Pabon-Cubero’s family launched an online fundraiser to support her family as they prepare for the teen’s funeral rather than her upcoming graduation. Funeral details were not released. As of May 8, more than $13,000 was donated.

'She was just 17 years old — full of life, energy and dreams,' the Gofundme read. 'She was ambitious, loyal and truly one of a kind. Her smile lit up every room, and she was deeply loved by so many in her community, her school and beyond.'

Pabon-Cubero planned to become a firefighter after high school, and was set to begin her training this week.

Grief counselors are available for students and staff at East High School, according to the district.

On April 30, the shooting occurred just after midnight and involved a confrontation outside an Alphonse Street home that sparked gunfire in which a teen shot a 30-year-old multiple times while on the front porch.

According to police, the alleged shooter was among a group of people who went to the Alphonse Street home on April 30 'with the intent of retaliating for a previous incident' that involved an acquaintance linked to the Alphonse Street residence. A confrontation outside the home sparked the gunfire.

Pabon-Cubero - who was inside the first floor of the residence at the time of the shooting - was shot by at least one stray bullet in her upper body. Her death marked Rochester’s eighth homicide of 2025, according to RPD’s Open Data Portal.

'Dany’s tragic passing is a heartbreaking reminder of the ongoing violence that continues to impact our communities— violence that deprives us all of the gifts and potential of bright, promising individuals like her,' Blocker said.

Michael Garcia, 18, of Rochester, was arraigned for several felonies, including second-degree murder, attempted second degree murder, first-degree assault and two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon.

Police allege that Garcia shot the man outside the house. During that exchange, Garcia is accused of unintentionally shooting Pabon-Cubero, who was inside the home.

Anyone with information or video connected to the incident is asked to call 911, RPD’s Homicide Unit at 585-428-7157, CrimeStoppers at 585-423-9300, or email MajorCrimes@cityofrochester.gov.