Deadly Bronx apartment shooting sparked by ongoing dispute with neighbors: sources
The recent shooting incident in a Bronx apartment building has shocked the community, with details emerging about the suspect and the ongoing dispute that led to the violence. According to law enforcement sources, the accused gunman, Jimmy Avila, 44, was a disgruntled tenant who lost his temper during a confrontation with neighbors over access to the shared backyard of the building.
The shooting took place on College Avenue near East 170th Street in Mount Eden, where Avila allegedly opened fire on three men, injuring them. One of the victims, a 37-year-old man, later succumbed to his injuries, while the other two, aged 59 and 62, were hospitalized in stable condition.
After the shooting, Avila barricaded himself inside an apartment and confessed to a local news station before being apprehended by the police following a stand-off. The altercation reportedly stemmed from a disagreement over the use of the building’s backyard, which Avila believed belonged solely to him as he resided on the first floor nearby.
In a frantic phone call to News 12 while hiding, Avila claimed that he felt threatened by the victims, leading him to resort to violence. The victim identified as Ryan Hines, the building’s superintendent, was fatally shot as he walked past Avila’s apartment that morning.
Another victim, Orlando Nieves, was struck in the arm during the incident. His wife, Ebony, recounted the harrowing experience of trying to get him to safety amid the chaos. She revealed that the family had been dealing with issues involving Avila for over a year, particularly regarding his perceived ownership of the backyard.
Avila’s criminal record includes three prior convictions, including a misdemeanor assault in 2024, as well as charges related to possession of a controlled substance and burglary in the late 1990s. The tragic event has left the community reeling and serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of unresolved disputes escalating to violence.
