ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Rochester's new mayor calls the city's latest homicide a "pandemic of violence."

Rochester police say Julius Greer Jr., 14, was on the way to his neighborhood corner store to buy noodles when he was shot in the back Sunday evening. According to investigators, he made it inside the store on North and Herald streets but died at the scene. 

Greer is the first homicide victim of 2022.

Mayor Malik Evans says addressing the violence in Rochester and the response to COVID-19 are two of the biggest challenges that greet his administration.

Evans says his first month in office will be committed to finding Rochester's next police chief. The city's contracting a search firm to review candidates evans Ias identified.

He also says the community needs to work together to address violence.

"Even if you have to do it anonymously," said Evans, "you don't have to call the police. You can tell someone trusted. You can reach out to the Office of Neighborhood Safety. I don't care who you reached out to, but this mother i just talked to on my first day in office deserves justice for her baby. That's what he was, a baby."

Evans will conclude his series of inaugural events with a town hall for teens at 5 p.m. on Tuesday. It will be streamed live from Innauguration Square. Evans will be joined by Super Bowl champion Roland Williams, Commissioner of DRHS Dr. Shirley Green, and Schoolboard Commissioner-elect Camille Simmons.

Those interested in taking part can email Courtney.Thomas@cityofRochester.gov.