Neighbor arrested on murder charge in 101-year-old’s death

Greg Jesmer, 54, has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder and endangering the welfare of a child for his connection in two crimes in Rochester

Police in upstate New York arrested a man on second-degree murder charges after evidence from a separate crime involving an underage girl helped point them toward the 54-year-old suspect in the stabbing of an elderly woman.

Rochester resident Gregory Jesmer allegedly stabbed 101-year-old Marcia Morrison in the neck, throat and upper body at some point this week inside their residential complex located on 58 Green Knolls Drive.

Morrison was found dead inside her apartment Tuesday after an employee for a senior transportation company arrived to pick the elderly woman up for her weekly ride and she did not answer the door.

Authorities connected Jesmer to the killing thanks to evidence gathered from another incident that occurred later Tuesday.

The suspect allegedly attempted to lure a 13-year-old girl, who also resides in the complex, back to his apartment with $500.

Rochester Police Chief Michael Ciminelli said in a press conference another member of the community witnessed the exchange before they intervened and phoned 911. 

Jesmer allegedly stabbed 101-year-old Marcia Morrison (pictured above) in the neck, throat and upper body this week inside their residential complex

Jesmer allegedly stabbed 101-year-old Marcia Morrison (pictured above) in the neck, throat and upper body this week inside their residential complex

‘This allowed responding officers to quickly detain this man,’ Ciminelli said in the press conference. 

In a press conference, Rochester Police Chief Michael Ciminelli thanked another member of the community who witnessed Jesmer's exchange with the young girl and called 911

In a press conference, Rochester Police Chief Michael Ciminelli thanked another member of the community who witnessed Jesmer’s exchange with the young girl and called 911

‘As investigation progressed, addition evidence was gathered, which connected him to the death of the victim on Green Knolls Drive.’ 

The police chief said additional charges may be pending. Closer investigation is underway.

‘This investigation probably will continue for days, if not weeks. There is a lot of evidence. There’s a lot of crime scene work still in progress, more people to interview,’ Ciminelli said.

‘On behalf of the Rochester Police Department, I would like to express our condolences and wish our thoughts and prayers to the friends, family and loved ones of the victim during this difficult time.’  

Jesmer pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder during his Wednesday arraignment in Rochester City Court,’ the Democrat and Chronicle reported.

Jesmer has also been charged with endangering the welfare of a child.

He is currently being held without bail in the Monroe County Jail.

Morrison was found dead inside her apartment  located on 58 Green Knolls Drive on Tuesday

Morrison was found dead inside her apartment  located on 58 Green Knolls Drive on Tuesday

A photo from the residential complex is shown after the area was closed off for investigation

A photo from the residential complex is shown after the area was closed off for investigation

Prosecutor Monica O’Brien said in a court statement the crime is ‘one of the most egregious that we as a community have ever seen.’  

Morrison had just celebrated another year of life last week, which marked her 101st birthday.

The Chronicle reported that woman is the oldest homicide victim in the city this year.

Morrison’s neighbor, Sandra Fields, told the newspaper she was like ‘a grandmother’ to other residents of the building. 

‘She had a lot of life left in her, more than some young people,’ Fields added.



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