IDENTIFIED: Jmere Smith Fatally Shot at Wegmans Warehouse in Rochester — Manhunt and Investigation Ongoing

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — July 26, 2025 — A routine Saturday shift at the Wegmans Distribution Center turned tragic when a young man was gunned down inside the warehouse. Authorities have now identified the victim as Jmere Smith, a man in his 20s, who was fatally shot at close range in the facility’s produce area. The shooting, which occurred around 4:15 p.m. on July 26, has sparked a large-scale investigation involving multiple law enforcement agencies.

According to Gates Police Chief Robert Long, officers responded within minutes to reports of gunfire at 1500 Brooks Avenue. Upon entering the building, first responders found Smith with three gunshot wounds to the chest. He was pronounced dead at the scene despite efforts by paramedics to revive him.

“This was a targeted attack,” Chief Long stated during a press briefing Saturday evening. “There is no threat to the public at this time, but we are exhausting all resources to find the person responsible.”

The Suspect Remains at Large

The shooter fled the warehouse before police arrived. While no arrests have been made, authorities have launched a full-scale manhunt, reviewing security footage and collecting statements from witnesses. The suspect has not been publicly named, and officials have not released a physical description.

As of Sunday, police were still pursuing leads and were seen conducting surveillance near a potential residence in Gates, though no further details were disclosed.

“We urge anyone with information, no matter how small, to come forward,” Chief Long said.

What We Know So Far

• Victim: Jmere Smith, described by coworkers as a “quiet, hardworking young man”
• Location: Wegmans Distribution Center, 1500 Brooks Avenue, Gates
• Time of Incident: 4:15 p.m., Saturday, July 26
• Cause of Death: Three gunshot wounds to the chest at close range
• Suspect Status: At large
• Motive: Unknown
• Related Incidents: Not connected to a separate Friday shooting near the Amazon Distribution Center

Law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation include the Gates Police Department, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Greece Police Department, and New York State Police.

The news of Smith’s death has sent shockwaves through the community and the distribution center workforce. Colleagues described him as a respectful and diligent employee who had a bright future.

“He was always on time, kept his head down, and worked hard,” one coworker shared anonymously. “It’s heartbreaking. He didn’t deserve this.”

While Wegmans has yet to release a detailed public statement, a company spokesperson said they are “deeply saddened by this senseless loss” and are cooperating fully with law enforcement. Counseling services are reportedly being offered to staff.

Police have not ruled out any possibilities and continue to investigate whether the shooting was personal, workplace-related, or otherwise premeditated.

“There’s a family grieving tonight,” said one investigator on scene. “This was a person with dreams, a life ahead of him. We’re committed to finding out who did this — and why.”

Forensic units spent several hours at the warehouse collecting evidence, and authorities are combing through video footage from inside and outside the facility.

Crime Stoppers has joined the effort, offering anonymity to anyone willing to provide information.

How to Help

Anyone with information related to the shooting is urged to:

• Call 911
• Submit a tip anonymously through Crime Stoppers
• Contact Gates Police Department directly

While details about Smith’s life remain limited, social media tributes have begun to surface. Friends described him as kind, focused, and “trying to make something out of life.”

Plans for a vigil or memorial service have not yet been announced, but community members are calling for peace and accountability.

This is a developing story. Follow official updates from the Gates Police Department and Monroe County authorities for verified information.