A Father’s Faith Amidst Grief: Alex Reese Council’s Journey After Tragedy
Alex Reese Council stood before a group of several dozen parishioners in a Fort Lauderdale church one Wednesday night, his heart heavy with grief. He slowly read aloud from John 14, a passage where Jesus prepares His disciples for His death. The words, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me," resonated deeply with the mourners, many of whom were seeking solace through prayer. Council’s own daughter, Phylicia, had been killed in a mass shooting in Rochester’s Maplewood Park on July 28, leaving him and the community in shock.
Finding Strength in Faith
Council, who was not only addressing the congregation but also himself, urged the group to hold onto their faith, just as they had when they first obeyed the Gospel. He spoke of trust in God, emphasizing that the same belief that had guided them before should sustain them now. While his words were a source of encouragement for others, they also served as a reminder for him to revive his own faith amidst the overwhelming grief he felt. The loss of his child had shaken him deeply, and like many others in the room, he was grappling with the pain of losing a loved one to senseless violence.
Two days after the prayer service, the Rochester Police Department announced the first arrest in connection with the shooting that claimed the lives of Phylicia Council and Tyasia Manning, and injured five others. Niger Johnson, 21, was charged with reckless endangerment and criminal possession of a weapon. While police confirmed that Johnson was one of nine individuals who fired a total of 50 rounds into a crowd of hundreds gathered for a barbecue, they clarified that he was not believed to have fired the fatal bullets. This news brought a mix of relief and unanswered questions for the families of the victims.
A Glimmer of Hope in the Pursuit of Justice
For Council, the arrest was a ray of hope. He had been frustrated by the slow pace of the investigation, which had dragged on for over six months with minimal communication from the authorities. The lack of progress had left him fearing that the case might have gone cold. However, the news of Johnson’s arrest reassured him that justice was still within reach. "Getting that phone call was such a blessing because it’s been so long," he said. "I knew that justice would come, I just didn’t know when." While the arrest marked a significant step forward, Council expressed his desire for further investigation to ensure that the right person was held accountable for his daughter’s death. "I don’t want the wrong person in jail for my daughter’s killing," he said. "If he wasn’t the one, his bullet didn’t do it, I get it. Let’s find the one who did. Because somebody did."
The arrest also brought mixed emotions for LaQuita Roundheart, the mother of Tyasia Manning, who was killed in the same shooting. While she acknowledged that the arrest was a positive development, she couldn’t help but feel conflicted. "Someone potentially violent is off the street, and that’s good news," she said. "Hopefully, he talks." However, the uncertainty surrounding Johnson’s role in her daughter’s death left her with unanswered questions. "But they can’t say it was him," she added quietly. The ongoing investigation has left Roundheart in a state of limbo, as she continues to seek closure for her family.
The Weight of Grief and the Struggle for Justice
As the days turned into months following the shooting, Roundheart found herself slipping deeper into depression. The lack of progress in the investigation, coupled with what she perceived as a lack of communication and support from the police and city officials, left her feeling forgotten and neglected. "I feel like maybe my quest for justice is a nuisance," she said. Despite her pain, she is trying to stay strong for her other children and grandchildren. "I’m 47 years old—I just had a birthday. Ty was supposed to be there," she said, her voice trembling with emotion. "Nobody should have to bury their children. Your children are supposed to bury you. That’s the way it goes."
Roundheart’s grief is compounded by the prevalence of gun violence in Rochester, which has left her questioning whether she can ever truly escape the pain it has inflicted on her community. The shooting that took her daughter’s life was not an isolated incident; it was part of a larger epidemic of violence that has claimed the lives of far too many young people. "Shooting and killings happen everywhere," she said, "but when it’s in Rochester, it hits a little bit more home because the area is so small. You might’ve went to school with their aunt, their cousin, their grandfather, and then you see this kid and you’re like—oh my God, he used to be at my house with my kids. That’s another loss. I’m so tired."
The Community’s Collective Sorrow and Resilience
The shooting in Maplewood Park has left an indelible mark on the community, with many still grappling with the aftermath. For Council and Roundheart, the journey toward healing is fraught with challenges, but they are finding solace in their faith and the support of loved ones. While the arrest of Niger Johnson is a step in the right direction, it is only the beginning. The families of the victims, along with the broader community, continue to hold onto hope that justice will prevail and that the perpetrators of this senseless act of violence will be brought to account.
As the investigation continues, the Rochester Police Department is urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward. They can contact the RPD at (585) 428-7157 or CrimeStoppers at (585) 423-9300. For now, the families of Phylicia Council and Tyasia Manning will continue to lean on their faith, their loved ones, and the resilience of their community as they navigate the complex emotions of grief, hope, and the pursuit of justice.
