ROCHESTER, NY – A fourth individual has tragically lost their life following a vehicular attack that took place near a New Year’s concert in western New York around two weeks ago. On Friday, officials conceded that they may never uncover the reason behind the horrifying incident.
Rochester’s law enforcement reported on Friday that the culprit, 35-year-old Michael Avery, had spent a significant amount of time in various parking areas and locales near the Kodak Center on the night of the calamity. Interestingly, Avery had even procured a ticket for the concert but did not attend, shared Police Chief David Smith.
A search of Avery’s rented vehicle, a Ford Expedition, revealed gas cans, a phony firearm, and lighters. Smith also mentioned an old, 20-page diary found in the vehicle, which contained disjointed entries that appeared unrelated to the attack.
Rochester’s Mayor Malik Evans characterized Avery’s actions as a calculated “attack on unsuspecting individuals,” implying that Avery had more sinister intentions.
Investigators have meticulously examined Avery’s hotel room, storage unit, personal car at the Rochester airport, and other places. They are also sifting through countless hours of surveillance footage and conducting interviews with Avery’s acquaintances. Despite these efforts, no links to extremist ideologies, accomplices, or a motive have been established, Smith said.
Avery, who occasionally worked as a delivery driver and resided in the Syracuse area, had shown signs of behavioral issues, Smith noted. However, his family did not observe any immediate signs of distress recently.
In the last few days of December, Avery was in Rochester, buying and filling several gas cans. On January 1, in the early morning, he steered his Ford Expedition into the path of oncoming traffic, aiming for a crosswalk teeming with concert attendees. The SUV collided with a ride-hail vehicle, propelling both into the crosswalk. The crash resulted in the death of two ride-hail passengers, Justina Hughes and Joshua Orr, and injured several others, predominantly pedestrians. Dawn Revette, a 54-year-old injured in the incident, passed away on Wednesday.
Smith reported that one individual is still receiving medical care, but their injuries are not expected to be fatal.