A year later, his killer remains at large, but police may be slowly closing in

The Monroe Drive apartment where Michael Mowry lived with two other men (Rochester Voice file photo); inset, Michael Mowry (Courtesy)

ROCHESTER - It was a year ago Monday in the early morning hours that the sound of gunfire pierced the solitude of a quiet, upscale Rochester condo complex, taking the life of 19-year-old Michael Kenneth Mowry III, whose body was found dead in his bedroom, a bullet to his neck.

It was as brutal a killing as ever seen by police and prosecutors, who said this week that the investigation into this heinous act is active, ongoing and very much part of their daily routine.

"Some people think cause a long time goes by, it's cold, but this is not a cold case," said Senior Assistant Attorney General Benjamin Agati, the lead prosecutor in the case, on Thursday. "I've already had three conversations this week with developments in the case. Rochester Police continue their work, and I'm in touch with them three to four times every week."

While investigators continue to be tight-lipped, one woman interviewed by The Rochester Voice following the killing said several neighbors awoken by the commotion told her four individuals broke into the victim's apartment at 64 Monroe Drive from the rear of his building.

Mowry, described as easy going and happy, had been living at the apartment with two other men prior to his death, neighbors said.

Mowry was born in Dover, and had lived in East Wakefield and later West Ossipee before moving to Rochester.

According to his obituary, he was an avid lover of sports and a talented athlete, enjoying snowboarding and playing on several championship baseball teams growing up.

An autopsy shortly after his death determined he died of a single gunshot wound and that the manner of death was homicide.

Agati told The Rochester Voice he believes they have spoken to everybody who interacted with Mowry in the final 24 hours of his life, but urged anyone they may have missed to contact Rochester Police immediately.

"We are still actively asking for the public's help," he said.

Agati added that Mowry's family remain devastated over what happened, and continue to ask for privacy as they grieve his loss.

Tips can be reported anonymously by calling the Rochester CrimeLine at 335-6500 or by texting tips to CRIMES (274637) with TEXT4CASH in the body of the text. Up to $1,000 is awarded for tips that lead to an arrest.

Individuals who text tips should start the body of their messages with the phrase TEXT4CASH.