Man charged with two Rochester homicides

Rochester police have charged a Rochester man in connection with second-degree murder in connection with two recent homicides in Rochester, including last month’s shooting death of Marcus J. Bennett on Sixth Street.

Christopher Williams was apprehended Wednesday in an Irondequoit residence and charged with second-degree murder and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, both felonies, in connection with Bennett’s death, said Capt. Frank Umbrino of the Rochester Police Department. Williams, 31, also faces the same charges in connection with the Aug. 9 shooting death of Kenneth Johnson, 26, inside a Roycroft Drive home.

Umbrino said Williams and Bennett, 47, argued in the backyard of a Sixth Street residence that night while “hanging out” with several people. Williams is accused of shooting Bennett several times. Bennett died at the scene.

In connection with the Roycroft slaying, Williams was allegedly one of several people “hanging out” at Johnson’s home at 337 Roycroft Drive on Tuesday night, Umbrino said. A fight occurred between the two men and Williams is accused of shooting Johnson several times, killing him.

Williams was released from state prison in September and placed on parole following a 2015 second-degree arson conviction that carried a five-year sentence. As an inmate he was arrested and convicted for promoting prison contraband, which added a year to his sentence.

Since his release, Williams has been arrested several times – accused of damaging a marked police car, smashing windows of a home during a domestic dispute and of twice removing his ankle monitor, Umbrino said.

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

Reporter Marcia Greenwood covers general assignments. Send story tips to mgreenwo@rocheste.gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @MarciaGreenwood.