Late on the night of September 1, 2023, 51-year-old J B Blackburn answered a knock at a Gilmore Street home in Rochester and an altercation on the doorstep ended when Blackburn was shot. Emergency personnel took him to the University of Rochester Medical Center for surgery, but he died a few hours later. Loved ones described him as a hardworking father and friend.

The next day a fire was reported at the same partially vacant Gilmore Street residence; firefighters contained flames mainly in the attic. Authorities have not publicly confirmed any link between the shooting and the fire. No arrests have been announced and the Rochester Police Department says the investigation is ongoing.

If anyone saw activity at the Gilmore Street address on or around the night of September 1, 2023, or has information about Blackburn’s death, please contact investigators.