RPD investigating murder-suicide at Pearl Nursing Center

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) – The Rochester Police Department is investigating after a murder-suicide Sunday morning at Pearl Nursing Center in Rochester on Portland Avenue. Officers arrived at the nursing home shortly after 7:30 a.m.

At the same time, members of the Rochester Fire Department were on scene in relation to a separate medical call. The nursing home was cleared of any potential threats and deemed secure.

Inside the home, two people were found deceased from apparent gunshot wounds – a 94-year-old woman and a 70-year-old man. The man was reportedly visiting the woman, who police said was a family member of his, when the incident happened. Officers said the woman had been a resident at the facility for just a few weeks.

Through the investigation it was determined that, during the visit – the man shot the woman before turning the gun on himself.

Officers emphasized that this was an isolated incident, adding that there was no reason to believe the public was at risk.

Anyone with information that can aid investigators is asked to call 911, the major crimes section at (585) 428-7157, crime stoppers at (585) 423-9300 or email

"The Rochester Police Department appreciates the response and assistance from the Monroe County Sheriff's Office, New York State Police, Greece Police, Webster Police, Irondequoit Police, US Customs and Border Protection and our partners at RFD and EMS," officers said.

This morning, RPD said they were coordinating with the nursing home staff to ensure other patients were being taken care of.

"We are working with the staff at the nursing home to move nearby patients away from the scene while maintaining the care that they need," officers said. "This process will continue throughout the morning in order to ensure everyone's medical needs are met."