Two women killed in mass shooting at upstate NY park identified

Victoria E. Freile, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
Updated ·2 min read

Two women died as a result of a mass shooting at a Rochester park on Sunday and five others suffered "relatively minor injuries," according to Rochester police.

Multiple shots were fired around 6:20 p.m., at a large gathering within the park, near Bridge View Drive, said Capt. Greg Bello of the Rochester Police Department.

Tyasia Manning, 25, died on Sunday and several hours later Phylicia Council, 34, also died from her injuries, Rochester Police Chief David Smith said at a late morning news conference.

Rochester Mayor Malik Evans described the slain women, both Rochester residents, as innocent shooting victims who were among the hundreds of people enjoying an afternoon barbeque at a city park when they were gunned down. He also confirmed that Manning was a City of Rochester employee who worked in Rochester's R-centers.

A large gathering at Maplewood Park where people barbecuing food was taking place when the shooting took place.
A large gathering at Maplewood Park where people barbecuing food was taking place when the shooting took place.

The surviving shooting victims were taken to area hospitals for treatment - some by ambulance and some by private vehicle, said Capt. Greg Bello of the Rochester Police Department.

To date, no charges have been filed in connection with the killings.

Investigation ongoing in mass shooting in Rochester NY

Smith said that the targeted large group had been at the park "all afternoon" without incident and were picnicking when shots were fired.

Smith on Sunday said officers are "looking for more than one person" but that it was not clear if the involved shooter or shooters were part of the gathering or if they came from outside the park and fired shots.

Smith at the news conference said that shots were fired from multiple weapons.

Dramatic video shared online show a chaotic scene as women attempt to help at least one shooting victim on the ground as first responders arrived at the scene.

Officers were investigating at the scene Monday morning.

RPD's Major Crimes Units is investigating the shooting and is asking anyone with video or information about the incident to call 911, 311, RPD at (585) 428-7157 or CrimeStoppers at (585) 423-9300 or contact RPD via email at MajorCrimes@cityofrochester.gov.

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Tyasia Manning, Phylicia Council killed in Rochester NY mass shooting