In Loving Memory of Munga Elocho
Rochester, N.Y. — The Rochester community is mourning the loss of Munga Elocho, a 22-year-old native of the Republic of Congo, whose life was tragically cut short under circumstances that remain under investigation.
Rochester police identified Elocho as the man whose body was discovered Sunday afternoon near the Genesee Riverway Trail in Rochester’s Brown Square neighborhood. His death has left family, friends and members of the community searching for answers as investigators continue working to understand what happened.
Officers were called to the area of Vincent Street near the trail at approximately 12:30 p.m. after receiving a report of a possible person found dead. Police located Elocho’s body in a wooded area near the trail, south of the Bausch Memorial Bridge.
According to investigators, evidence indicated that Elocho may have been killed at another location before his body was left at the area where police discovered him. Authorities temporarily blocked off Smith Street between North Plymouth Avenue and Frankfort Street while detectives processed the scene and gathered evidence.
The circumstances surrounding Elocho’s death remain deeply troubling. Police have not released a manner of death, and the exact cause of his death and the events leading up to it remain under investigation. The Monroe County Medical Examiner’s Office is involved in the investigation and is working to establish additional details surrounding his death.
Elocho was just 22 years old. A young man who came from the Republic of Congo, he had his life ahead of him, with hopes, dreams, relationships and a future that should not have been taken away so suddenly.
As the investigation continues, those who knew him are left to remember the person behind the headlines — a son, a friend, a loved one and a young member of the community whose life mattered.
Remembering Munga Elocho
In moments of tragedy, it can be difficult to find words that adequately express the pain of losing someone so young. Munga Elocho’s death is a reminder of how precious and fragile life can be.
May his memory be remembered with dignity and compassion. May those who loved him find strength during this difficult time. And may the search for answers bring clarity and justice to those who are grieving his loss.
There have been no arrests announced in connection with Elocho’s death. Rochester police continue to investigate, and authorities are asking anyone who may have information about what happened to come forward.
Police described the victim initially as a Black man in his 20s or 30s who was wearing a red soccer-style T-shirt with white stripes and dark-colored shorts. Investigators are working to establish a complete timeline of Elocho’s final hours and determine who may have been responsible for his death.
Anyone with information is urged to contact 911, the Rochester Police Department Major Crimes Unit at (585) 428-71517, or Crime Stoppers at (585) 423-9300. Tips can also be submitted by email to MajorCrimes@cityofrochester.gov.
For Munga Elocho’s family, friends and loved ones, the days ahead will undoubtedly be filled with grief and unanswered questions. While the investigation continues, the hope remains that those who know something will speak up and help authorities uncover the truth.
Rest in peace, Munga Elocho.
May you be remembered not only for the tragic circumstances of your passing, but for the life you lived, the people you touched and the memories you leave behind.
May your memory forever be a blessing.





