In the dead of winter, a fire consumed a home in Rochester, New York — but what firefighters discovered inside wasn’t an accident. Four bodies, bound, shot, and left in a scene so brutal it stunned even experienced detectives. Nearly a decade later, with no arrests and few answers, the question still haunts everyone left behind: Who could commit such a massacre – and why?
Courtesy of Rochester Police Department – Graphic created by Audiochuck Staff
Episode Info
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is offering a $15,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of whoever killed Michael Adams, LaChelle “Peanut” Powell, Michael Royal, and Jennifer Leasure.
If you have any information, please contact Rochester PD’s major crimes unit at 585-428-7157 Rochester PD Contact or email them at MajorCrimes@CityOfRochester.gov. You can also call Crime Stoppers at 585-423-9300 or submit a tip online.
An evidence photo of outside 193-195 Leighton Ave. in the hours after the murders. Courtesy: Rochester Police Department
An evidence photo of outside 193-195 Leighton Ave. in the hours after the murders. Courtesy: Rochester Police Department
An evidence photo of the enclosed porch at 193-195 Leighton Ave. Courtesy: Rochester Police Department
An evidence photo of a staircase at 93-195 Leighton Ave. in the hours after the murders. Courtesy: Rochester Police Department
An evidence photo from inside 193-195 Leighton Ave. in the hours after the murders. Courtesy: Rochester Police Department
An evidence photo from inside 193-195 Leighton Ave. in the hours after the murders. Courtesy: Rochester Police Department
Evidence found inside the house. Courtesy:, Rochester Police Department
An evidence photo of outside 193-195 Leighton Ave. in the days after the murders. Courtesy: Rochester Police Department
Michael Royal. Credit: Facebook Photo
Michael Royal and Jennifer Leasure. Credit: Facebook Photo
Jennifer Leasure. Courtesy: The Leasure family; enhanced by audiochuck staff
Jennifer Leasure (right) with her sister, Andie and their mom. Courtesy: The Leasure family.
LaChelle Powell. Credit: Facebook Photo
LaChelle Powell. Credit: Facebook Photo; edited by audiochuck staff
Rochester PD’s Leighton Ave quadruple homicide case file. Photo taken by audiochuck staff
Retired Rochester Investigator Gary Galetta. Photo taken by audiochuck staff
Retired Rochester Investigator John Brennan and his dog, Grace. Photo taken by audiochuck staff
The 193-195 Leighton Ave residence in April 2025. Photo taken audiochuck staff