Family members of man discovered lifeless in Rochester journey from Congo to see accused killer in courtroom

Rochester, N.Y. (WHAM) — Nearly two years after coming to the United States from the Republic of the Congo, Munga Elocho’s life got here to a tragic finish Aug. 16.

“He was a cool guy, a good guy,” stated his brother, Mpenzi Yohana. “He was a friend of everyone.”

Rochester police stated Milton Simmons, 43, fatally shot Elocho, 22, throughout an argument at North Plymouth Avenue and Smith Street earlier than making an attempt to hide his physique in a rubbish tote. It was discovered about 12 hours later.

Simmons was arrested Tuesday and was set to be arraigned Wednesday on fees together with homicide, however the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office stated he refused to return out of his jail cell. Judge Melissa Barrett needed to signal a physique order to get him to return to courtroom Thursday

BACKGROUND: One day after refusing to seem in courtroom, Rochester homicide suspect pleads not responsible | Man accused of killing 22-year-old, dumping physique alongside Genesee Riverway Trail

“I think sometimes they know, just because of the nature of the charge alone, they’re going to be held,” Assistant District Attorney Aliyah Fowler stated. “So they’re like, ‘I’m not going anywhere.'”

Some of Elocho’s relations got here in from Congo to face the person accused of killing him.

“Our hearts were broken on the news that we got of the loss of my son, the son we all love,” stated Mmunga Tawimbi, Elocho’s father, utilizing Yohana as a translator.

His household stated Elocho didn’t know Simmons.

“(It) was something that really hurt us a lot because Munga was a kid who was helping us in terms of God’s work,” stated Mwenebitu Mlendja, Elocho’s pastor, utilizing Yohana as a translator. “He was like a right hand for us.”

Simmons pleaded not responsible Thursday. He was held within the Monroe County Jail with out bail or launch. A preliminary listening to is scheduled for Friday.

Yohana stated Elocho’s household would proceed to indicate up in courtroom.

“That’s the least we can do for our brother,” Yohana stated. “That’s the support we can give him until the end.”