ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Rochester community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of 31-year-old Kitana Kendrick, who tragically lost her life in a shooting early Sunday morning, November 2, 2025, on Gothic Street near Pulaski Park. The devastating incident has left family, friends, and neighbors grief-stricken as they come to terms with the sudden and senseless loss of a woman described as compassionate, hardworking, and full of life.
According to the Rochester Police Department (RPD), officers responded to reports of shots fired in the area shortly before 2:15 a.m. Upon arrival, they discovered a woman suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite the swift efforts of first responders and emergency medical personnel, Kitana Kendrick was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not released information regarding potential suspects or motives, and the investigation remains ongoing.
The quiet residential stretch of Gothic Street was filled with flashing lights and sirens in the early morning hours as officers worked to secure the scene and gather evidence. Neighbors described hearing several gunshots, followed by screams and the sound of vehicles speeding away. “It’s heartbreaking,” one resident said. “You wake up to chaos and realize someone’s child, someone’s loved one, isn’t coming home. This shouldn’t be normal.”
For those who knew Kitana personally, the pain of her loss is immeasurable. Friends remember her as a vibrant soul — someone who brought joy to those around her and never hesitated to lend a helping hand. “Kitana had a smile that could light up a room,” said one longtime friend. “She was the kind of person who cared deeply for others. She didn’t deserve this — nobody does.”
Family members, still in shock, described her as a devoted daughter, sister, and friend who worked hard to build a better future for herself and her loved ones. Her tragic death has not only left a void in their hearts but has also reignited conversations about the ongoing impact of gun violence in Rochester.
Local community leaders and anti-violence advocates have once again called for action, urging residents to come together to combat the growing crisis. “We can’t keep losing lives like this,” said a spokesperson from a local outreach organization. “Every shooting leaves a ripple effect — families destroyed, communities traumatized, hope diminished. We need more than words; we need change.”
A candlelight vigil is being organized near Pulaski Park in the coming days, where friends, loved ones, and community members will gather to honor Kitana’s memory and call for peace. Balloons, flowers, and handwritten notes already mark the sidewalk near the scene, forming a makeshift memorial that reflects both love and sorrow.
As the RPD Major Crimes Unit continues its investigation, authorities are asking anyone with information to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously to CrimeStoppers at (585) 423-9300. Even the smallest detail, they say, could be crucial in helping bring justice for Kitana and closure for her grieving family.
In a city too often touched by tragedy, Kitana Kendrick’s death serves as yet another painful reminder of the urgency to end the cycle of violence. As her family and friends mourn her loss, they remember not how she died, but how she lived — with kindness, strength, and an unwavering love for those around her.
Kitana’s memory will live on in the hearts of everyone who knew her — a life gone too soon, but never forgotten.
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