Two Rochester adults accused of murder in death of 2-year-old

Two Rochester adults face second-degree murder charges in the death of a 2-year-old boy after emergency responders were called to a Dewey Avenue address in May.

India Duncan, 25, and Joshua Velez, 30, were taken into custody Tuesday, August 4, 2026, according to WXXI News. Rochester police accuse both of physically abusing the child, who died May 18.

What happened at the Dewey Avenue address

Ambulance and fire personnel had responded to 1630 Dewey Ave. for an unrelated call on May 10 when 911 dispatchers received a report of an unresponsive 2-year-old at the same address, police told WXXI News.

The child was taken to Rochester Regional Hospital. Police said hospital staff observed bruises, bite marks and other injuries. The child died the following week, on May 18.

Allegations in the criminal complaint

As described by WXXI News, the criminal complaint accuses Duncan and Velez of physically abusing the child between May 8 and May 10, including striking the child on the head. Police allege that the abuse caused injuries throughout the child’s body, including brain bleeding.

Those are allegations, not established facts. Duncan and Velez have been charged but not convicted, and the case remains pending.

Agencies involved

The investigation involved the Rochester Police Department, the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office and Monroe County Child Protective Services, according to police reporting cited by WXXI News. The Rochester Police Department is the city law-enforcement agency, and the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office is the county prosecutorial agency.

Police said they anticipate additional charges against Duncan and Velez. No additional charges were reported in the available account.

What comes next

The next confirmed developments will come through court proceedings, official releases or additional reporting. The August 4 arrests are the latest reported action in an investigation that began with the May 10 emergency call and followed the child’s death on May 18.

Sources

• WXXI News: Two charged in death of 2-year-old
• Rochester Police Department — City of Rochester
• Monroe County District Attorney