Gates, N.Y. — Community in Shock After Fatal Shooting of Amazon Employee Outside Fulfillment Center

Gates, N.Y. — Community in Shock After Fatal Shooting of Amazon Employee Outside Fulfillment Center

In a tragic and deeply unsettling incident that has left a community reeling, Gates Police have identified the victim of Thursday night’s fatal shooting outside the Amazon Fulfillment Center ROC1 on Manitou Road. The victim has been confirmed as 24-year-old Markis Ortiz Harris, a resident of Rochester and a dedicated employee of the Amazon warehouse.

According to the Gates Police Department, Markis was sitting in his vehicle, parked and waiting to begin his overnight shift, when an unknown assailant approached and shot him at close range. Authorities responded to reports of gunfire shortly after 9:30 p.m., only to find Markis gravely wounded inside his car. Despite life-saving efforts by emergency personnel on the scene, he was pronounced dead shortly afterward.

The motive behind the attack remains under investigation, and as of now, no arrests have been made. Law enforcement officials are working tirelessly to collect surveillance footage, speak with witnesses, and pursue leads that might uncover who is responsible for this horrific act.

“This was a targeted attack,” Gates Police Chief James VanBrederode said during a press conference on Friday. “This young man was not a random victim. He was waiting to start his job, like he had many nights before, and someone made a deliberate choice to end his life.”

The murder has shaken both the local community and the workforce at Amazon ROC1, where Markis was known as a friendly, hardworking team member. Friends and coworkers described him as a kind-hearted, ambitious young man who always had a smile on his face. For many, the suddenness and brutality of the act are difficult to process.

“He was just trying to do his job, to take care of his responsibilities,” said one fellow employee who asked to remain anonymous. “This just doesn’t make any sense. He didn’t deserve this.”

Born and raised in Rochester, Markis Ortiz Harris was described by family as a loving son, brother, and friend who had dreams of pursuing a better future. He was passionate about music and cars, and he often spoke about one day starting his own business. His death marks yet another devastating example of young lives cut short by violence.

The scene outside Amazon’s facility was somber Friday morning as coworkers arrived to begin their shifts, only to be met with police tape and the stark absence of one of their own. Amazon released a statement expressing condolences:
“We are devastated by the tragic loss of our team member, Markis Ortiz Harris. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and coworkers during this incredibly difficult time. We are working closely with law enforcement as they investigate this incident and will continue to support our employees as they grieve.”

Local leaders and community advocates have called for an increased emphasis on violence prevention and support services for families affected by tragedy.

Markis’s family is now left to navigate the unimaginable pain of losing someone so young and full of potential. Plans for a memorial are underway, and a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help cover funeral expenses and offer support to the grieving family.

Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact the Gates Police Department or Crime Stoppers. Tips can be provided anonymously and could prove vital in helping investigators bring justice to Markis and his loved ones.

As the investigation continues, one thing is clear: the community has lost more than just a name in a news story. They’ve lost a son, a friend, a worker, and a dreamer — and his memory deserves justice, compassion, and remembrance.