**Two NY Men Killed in Alleged Revenge by Their Victims’ Families**
In a shocking turn of events, two men with connections to a notorious 2015 shooting at a Rochester Boys and Girls Club were gunned down in what authorities are investigating as potential acts of revenge. The violent incidents have left communities shaken and raised questions about the cycle of vengeance that continues to plague the city.
On November 6, 2021, Jalen Everett, one of the acquitted suspects in the 2015 triple homicide that claimed the lives of Raekwon Manigault, Jonah Barley, and Johnny J.R. Johnson, was shot outside an Aki Mini Mart. Eyewitnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots as Everett was hit and later succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital. Family members described him as a devoted father and a vibrant member of the community, expressing disbelief over the circumstances of his death.
Just months later, in February 2023, Michael Mathis, another acquitted suspect from the same case, was murdered in a parking lot on East Avenue. Reports indicate that Mathis had faced prior attempts on his life since his acquittal, intensifying fears regarding the ongoing violence linked to the earlier shooting incident. Although the police have not confirmed motives, speculation suggests that the recent killings may be tied to unresolved tensions stemming from the 2015 case.
Interim Rochester Police Chief Lauren Singletary emphasized the need for community cooperation in addressing escalating violence. “We want to investigate what occurred and prevent further retaliatory actions,” she stated, urging the public to avoid taking justice into their own hands.
As the investigation continues, the tragic cycle of violence raises poignant questions about the implications of past crimes and the impact on families and communities. With the legal system seemingly unable to provide closure, the specter of revenge continues to loom large over Rochester, leaving many to wonder when the cycle will end.
