In Rochester, New York, a vibrant life was cut short under the cloak of a Friday night. On August 15, 2025, the quiet of Mazda Terrace near North Clinton Avenue shattered with the sound of gunfire, leaving a community in mourning and a family grappling with unimaginable grief. The victim, 44-year-old Maurice Streeter, known to many as “Black Sinatra,” was more than a name in a news report—he was a brother, a friend, a passionate hip-hop artist, and a beacon of light for those battling addiction. His story, one of resilience and creativity, now carries the weight of tragedy as Rochester police search for answers in a case that has left no suspects in custody.
It was just after 9 p.m. when Rochester Police and New York State Troopers descended on Mazda Terrace, their flashing lights cutting through the darkness. They found Maurice Streeter on the porch of a home, his body riddled with multiple gunshot wounds to his upper body. Despite the swift response of emergency services, Streeter was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Investigators believe the shooting stemmed from a heated argument that spiraled into deadly violence, though the identity of the other individual involved remains unknown. The Rochester Police Department’s Major Crimes Homicide Unit, with support from state police, is now combing through evidence, urging the public to come forward with any information or video footage that could bring justice for Streeter.
Maurice Streeter’s life was woven into the fabric of Rochester’s community, where he was cherished not only for his musical talent but for his unwavering commitment to helping others. As “Black Sinatra,” he carved out a name for himself in the world of rap battles, his lyrical prowess taking him far beyond New York’s borders. “He’d been doing rap battles, traveling all over, not just in New York,” recalled Stephanie Forrester, Board President of Recovery All Ways (R.A.W.), a local organization dedicated to supporting those in recovery from addiction. Streeter’s passion for hip-hop was matched only by his dedication to R.A.W., where he was a constant presence, always the first to arrive, ready to set up, lend a hand, or offer a smile. “He was full of love and light,” Forrester said, her voice heavy with loss. “We’re really going to miss him.”
Born in Newark, Wayne County, Streeter grew up alongside his sister, Roshanda, in a tight-knit circle of friends who remained close into adulthood. “We cried, we laughed, we all chilled together,” Roshanda shared, her memories painting a picture of a childhood filled with joy and connection. As a young man, Maurice found his calling in music, adopting the moniker “Black Sinatra” and chasing his dreams with unrelenting determination. “One day, he got up out of the house and said he was going to rap, and that’s what he did,” Roshanda recounted. “Whatever he put his mind to, he did it.” Even in recent years, as he faced personal struggles, Streeter’s resolve never wavered. He moved to Rochester, expanding his network and pouring his heart into his craft, always striving to rise above challenges.
For those who knew him, Streeter’s impact extended far beyond the stage. At Recovery All Ways, he was a pillar of support, embodying hope for those navigating the difficult path of recovery. His infectious positivity and willingness to help made him a beloved figure, someone who could light up a room even on its darkest days. Tommy Gravino, a lifelong friend from Newark, remembered bonding with Streeter over their shared love of music in their small-town youth. “Growing up in Newark is a small-town vibe,” Gravino said, reflecting on the deep roots of their friendship. Now, that same community is left reeling, grappling with the senselessness of his death.
As the investigation unfolds, Streeter’s loved ones are left with a mix of anger, sorrow, and a desperate plea for justice. “I hope they don’t get no sleep,” Roshanda said of those responsible, her words laced with raw pain. “I hope every time they close their eyes, they see him, and I hope they regret what they did.” Gravino echoed her sentiment, calling the perpetrator a “coward” and urging accountability for the act that stole a brother, a friend, and a community’s light.
The Rochester Police Department is calling on the public to help piece together the events of that fateful night. Anyone with information or video evidence is urged to contact the Major Crimes Unit at (585) 428-7157, Crime Stoppers at (585) 423-9300, call 911, or email [email protected]. Meanwhile, Streeter’s family has launched a GoFundMe to help cover funeral expenses, a small step toward honoring a man whose legacy of love, music, and service will endure in the hearts of those he touched.
Maurice “Black Sinatra” Streeter’s voice may have been silenced, but his spirit echoes in the community he uplifted, the music he created, and the lives he changed. As Rochester mourns, the search for justice continues, a testament to a life that mattered deeply to so many.
