Rochester police say a 46-year-old man has been charged with second-degree murder after authorities say a 28-year-old man was fatally stabbed during an argument Monday night on the city’s north side.
Incident and arrest
Police identified the suspect as Diego Pizarro, 46, and the victim as Dynell Babers-White, 28. The Rochester Police Department says the stabbing happened around 8:30 p.m. Monday at a residence on Roth Street. Babers-White was taken to Strong Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Authorities said Pizarro and Babers-White lived at the same Roth Street home but were not related. A U.S. Marshals Service task force located Pizarro and took him into custody Wednesday morning, according to police. He was charged with second-degree murder; an arraignment was expected Wednesday at 5 p.m.
What investigators have released
Rochester police have described the encounter as an argument that turned violent. Officials say Pizarro stabbed Babers-White twice with a knife. Beyond the basic sequence of events — an argument, the stabbing, the victim’s transport to Strong Memorial and the subsequent arrest — police have not released additional information about motives, the relationship between the two men or whether any weapon has been submitted for testing.
"An arrest has been made in a fatal stabbing on the city's north side," police said in a brief statement.
- Victim: Dynell Babers-White, 28
- Suspect: Diego Pizarro, 46
- Charge: Second-degree murder
- Location: Home on Roth Street, Rochester
Local context and policing
Homicides remain a focus for residents and law enforcement in Rochester as the city works to address violent crime and community safety. The involvement of a U.S. Marshals Service task force in locating Pizarro underscores how local and federal agencies sometimes collaborate to apprehend suspects who are believed to be in custody-avoidance situations.
Rochester police did not indicate whether Pizarro was considered a fugitive between the time of the stabbing and the arrest, or whether he left the scene. They also did not provide details on whether other people were present during the altercation or whether any additional arrests are expected.
Next steps in the case
With a second-degree murder charge filed, prosecutors will determine whether to pursue that count at arraignment and prepare for pretrial proceedings. Second-degree murder in New York is a Class A-I felony and can carry a severe sentence if the defendant is convicted. The arrest and charge set the stage for court filings, evidentiary disclosures and a possible trial unless a plea agreement is reached.
Police have not released further information about the investigation. Anyone with information related to the case is asked to contact Rochester police or Crime Stoppers. The department often relies on tips from residents to advance investigations in homicides and serious assaults.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date of incident | Monday night (around 8:30 p.m.) |
| Location | Home on Roth Street, Rochester |
| Arresting authority | U.S. Marshals Service task force (in coordination with RPD) |
As the case proceeds through the criminal justice system, community members and leaders will be watching for more details from prosecutors and Rochester police. The department’s limited initial release leaves questions about motive and circumstances that investigators are likely to address in subsequent statements or court filings.
WE NEWS will update this report as new information becomes available from police, the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office or court records.
