Teen charged with murder in Gates attempted carjacking

Gates, N.Y.  – A 16-year-old suspect has been arrested in connection with the killing of an Irondequoit man in an attempted carjacking earlier this month.

Officials with the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office said Edgar Tolentino was arraigned on a second-degree murder charge Thursday afternoon in Youth Part Court.

The charges were filed in connection to the fatal shooting of Richard Sciascia on April 7 in Gates. Sciascia, 71, was shot and killed in his car on Buell Road off Chili Avenue in broad daylight in what police described as an attempted carjacking.

The day of Sciascia’s murder, the search began for two suspects in a black car, who were believed to be connected to his death as well as dozens of carjackings throughout the county. Later that night, Rochester Police chased a black car that matched the suspect vehicle description on Danforth Street. A juvenile was taken into custody and later released.

After weeks of investigation by a task force with nearly 30 investigators looking into the carjacking spree, Gates Police arrested Tolentino.

Joel Lee, who was friends with Sciascia for more than 20 years, says his loved ones are still reeling from his tragic death.

“As a kid, he was like the big brother I never had,” he said. “This one is very hard.”

Lee hopes the arrest is a sign that justice will be served.

“I’m ecstatic because he can rest at peace now,” he said.

Tolentino is being held without bail. He is scheduled to return to court on April 28 at 11:30 a.m. for a preliminary hearing.