Man Sentenced to 22 Years for Deadly 2021 Bar Shooting

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A 34-year-old man named Jose Acevedo has been sentenced to 22 years in prison, plus 5 years of post-release supervision, for a 2021 shooting that killed 29-year-old Sean Semprie outside a bar in Rochester, New York. Acevedo pleaded guilty to manslaughter after an argument with Semprie inside the bar escalated into a fatal shooting in the back parking lot.

Why it matters

Gun violence and deadly altercations outside bars and nightlife establishments remain an ongoing public safety concern in many cities, including Rochester, which has seen a rise in violent crime in recent years. This case highlights the need for better conflict resolution and de-escalation training, as well as stronger gun control measures to keep firearms out of the hands of those prone to violence.

The details

According to prosecutors, Jose Acevedo got into an argument with Sean Semprie inside the Black Bear Pub. After the bar closed, Acevedo shot and killed Semprie with multiple gunshot wounds in the back parking lot. Acevedo was already in prison on unrelated gun charges at the time he was indicted for Semprie's homicide in March 2024, before pleading guilty to manslaughter.

• The shooting occurred outside the Black Bear Pub in 2021.
• Acevedo was indicted for the homicide in March 2024.
• Acevedo was sentenced to 22 years in prison on January 28, 2026.