Bravery Turned Tragic Woman Shot by Neighbor After Reporting Suspected Abuse in East Harlem Apartment

A Shocking Encounter Turns Violent

In a case that has gripped East Harlem with both outrage and sorrow, 37-year-old Avery Dunning has been convicted for the brutal shooting of his neighbor, a 41-year-old woman who had confronted him over suspected domestic violence. The incident occurred on the morning of February 22, 2023, in the hallway of their East Harlem apartment building and left the woman critically injured and permanently disabled.

On June 4, 2025, a New York Supreme Court jury found Dunning guilty on all charges, including Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, Assault in the First Degree, and Criminal Possession of a Weapon, among others. He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 1, 2025.

From Concern to Confrontation

The violence stemmed from a confrontation that followed a neighbor’s growing concern over what she believed were repeated incidents of domestic abuse occurring in the apartment across the hall. On the morning of the shooting, the woman had once again heard disturbing sounds coming from Dunning’s unit and called 911. Afterward, she directly confronted Dunning in the hallway, warning him that she would continue reporting every suspected incident to law enforcement.

Tensions quickly escalated. A physical altercation broke out involving Dunning, the woman, and her husband. During the scuffle, the husband reportedly pushed Dunning into a stairwell to defuse the situation. But Dunning pulled a firearm from his clothing and fired multiple shots at the woman as she tried to retreat into her apartment.

A Life-Altering Injury

The victim sustained several gunshot wounds to her head and body and collapsed at the threshold of her apartment. Her husband, having initially fled for safety, returned moments later to find her bleeding on the ground. He immediately called for emergency assistance.

She was rushed to the hospital in critical condition and spent several months receiving intensive treatment. Ultimately, she was moved to a long-term rehabilitative care facility. The aftermath of the attack has left her unable to move the left side of her body, requiring constant medical attention and round-the-clock care.

Flight and Capture

Following the shooting, Dunning fled down the stairwell of the building. It would take nearly ten months for authorities to locate and apprehend him. When law enforcement finally arrested him in December 2023, he was found using a false identity and carrying a forged ID card. A search of his apartment uncovered a second firearm and ammunition matching both weapons, hidden in a locked safe.

Justice Delivered

A jury found Dunning guilty on the following charges:

Attempted Murder in the Second Degree (Class B Felony) – 1 count

Assault in the First Degree (Class B Felony) – 1 count

Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (Class C Felony) – 4 counts

Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the Second Degree (Class D Felony) – 1 count

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Andrea Kimmel and Kelly Keating, with support from trial preparation and investigative teams who worked diligently to present a compelling and comprehensive case to the jury.

A Statement on Courage and Accountability

The trial served as a grim reminder of the risks faced by individuals who take a stand against domestic violence. While the outcome of the confrontation was tragic, the neighbor’s courage in speaking out ultimately led to justice being served.

The victim's life has been permanently changed, but the conviction brings a measure of closure to a case marked by senseless violence and an extraordinary act of bravery. Avery Dunning now awaits sentencing, where the court will determine the extent of his punishment for the life-altering harm he caused