Mt. Morris Resident Found Guilty of Murder

Frank Cassata, 48, of Mt Morris was convicted Friday, Feb. 1, of second-degree murder, aggravated vehicular homicide, leaving the scene of an accident that caused a death and drunken driving.  Cassata’s conviction by the Monroe County jury was the result of a hit-and-run accident on Lyell Avenue in Rochester on June 2, 2018. Following an alcohol -fueled argument with a group of pedestrians including Ricky
Jackson, who had earlier punched Cassata in the face, Cassata got in his car and drove onto the sidewalk trying to hit Jackson, but instead, went onto the neighbor’s lawn and hit 3-year-old Amir Pallet and his 23-year-old cousin Abriel Fair.

Both victims were taken to Strong Hospital, where Amir Pallet later died. Cassata left the scene, but was later apprehended.

Cassata, a convicted felon, has served more than a decade in state prison.  He was convicted in 2000 for possession of a forged instrument where he served three years.  Then in 2005 he served eight years for first-degree robbery and first-degree burglary.  After his release he served 5 years on parole.  His parole ended in October 2017.

Now that he has been convicted, Cassata will be sentenced on March 7, and faces 25 years to life.