Police: Illinois Street house was rented out for rap video during mass shooting

Rochester, N.Y. — Police said up to 30 people were inside an Airbnb on Illinois Street when gunfire erupted around 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, killing one man and injuring four others.

The house was being rented out for the filming of a rap video in memory of a previous murder victim.

Police said Jahkeem Douglas, 24, was killed in the shooting. Four other men, ages 19, 20, 22, and 30, were injured.

Neighbors described the North Winton Village neighborhood where the shooting took place as quiet.

But Tuesday night was anything but, as 20 rounds of gunfire rang out.

“By the time these disputes escalate to what happened last night and the police department's involved, it's too late," said Rochester Police Chief David Smith.

Mayor Malik Evans called on people to solve their issues by using their words, rather than resorting to violence.

“We are losing too many young men in this community over foolishness," Evans said. "And the shootings last night, and the young man who now will not be with his family for Christmas and the new year is a result of foolishness, plain and simple.”

The mayor also addressed those who rent out their home, saying there will be consequences for incidents like what happened Tuesday night on Illinois Street.

"We have used the gun violence emergency order, where we find out if there was something — a party or something, that was unsanctioned with alcohol and other things — we have shut those down before they were able to get off the ground," Evans said. "But again, we can't be everywhere - this is not a surveillance state. So, if you're going to host an event or let someone host an event in your establishment, and then be shocked and surprised when it escalates to violence, you have a responsibility and you have a role in what happens in those locations."

Police would not elaborate on whether the shooting had anything to do with the murder victim being remembered.

AIRBNB HOMEOWNER SHAKEN BY SHOOTING

The owner of the home, Mazzeo Mouzon, told 13WHAM he thought he was renting out his property to a group of three people coming in from out of town. He said his tenant who lives on the other side of the Illinois Street property called him Tuesday night and told him a large group of people had gathered there.

Mouzon said he called police and was on his way to break up the party, but crime scene tape was already up when he arrived.

"I am pretty hurt to hear and see that this is going on," Mouzon said. "Especially in a really good, family-oriented neighborhood. I grew up there for 10 years and I love it — and to know that something could have happened to anybody’s family around there, it definitely weighs a heavy toll."

Mouzon said he is shaken up and is working with Airbnb to discuss better screening protocols. He said he's been renting out the Illinois Street property for a few years and usually doesn't have any issues.

What happened Tuesday night has tarnished the quality of life for neighbors who spoke to 13WHAM. Some of them said they considered it a safe neighborhood, but now they're considering leaving.

Christopher Seager was watching TV, when he heard gunshots feet away from his house. He ran outside to make sure none of his neighbors were hurt — the smell of gunpowder still permeating the air.

"It felt and sounded like it was coming right through our house," Seager said. "My wife was in the backroom sleeping, so she could’ve been shot."

Seager's wife has lived on Atlantic Avenue for 60 years, since she was born.

Seager said the idea of her leaving her childhood home breaks his heart, but recent violence is making him question whether he feels safe leaving his house.

"It’s taking away a little bit of our freedoms, if you ask me," Seager said.

"I’ve already told the wife it’s time to put a sign up," he continued. "It’s time to go."

One neighbor said she woke up and found blood splattered on her fence.

Another said she just moved from the northeast section of the city to the North Winton Village neighborhood, hoping to raise her children in a safer area with less crime.

She said it feels like Rochester has turned into a war zone — her 7-year-old daughter now afraid to even go outside and play.

"I moved away from that so they can have peace of mind and go outside and ride a bike and not have to worry about, 'Is somebody gonna pull up, get out their car, and start shooting at random people?' Because these days, that is our reality," Deborah Granderson said. "It feels like Rochester is turning into a war zone."

No arrests have been made in the shooting. Anyone with information is asked to call 911 or Crime Stoppers at 423-9300.

https://13wham.com/news/local/police-illinois-street-house-was-rented-out-for-rap-video-during-mass-shooting-rochester

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