On a Sunday evening, November 22, 2020, the life of 19-year-old Eugene Aviles was cut short in Utica, New York. That night, Utica Police were initially called to what appeared to be a vehicle accident on the 1600 block of Genesee Street. Shortly after, another report came in about shots being fired less than a mile away, on the 100 block of Grant Street.
At the scene of the crash, first responders discovered that Aviles, a male, was suffering from fatal gunshot wounds.
Despite receiving immediate medical attention, Eugene Aviles succumbed to his injuries. The subsequent investigation by the Utica Police Department led them to believe that this was not a random act of violence, but rather a targeted shooting. The authorities began a thorough investigation to piece together the events that led to the young man's death and to identify those responsible for the crime.
In an effort to generate leads, the Mohawk Valley Crimestoppers offered a reward of $1,500 for any information that would lead to an arrest and conviction in the case. This was done to encourage members of the community to come forward with any details that might help solve the homicide. However, despite the ongoing efforts of law enforcement, the investigation has faced challenges. To date, no arrests have been made in connection with the death of Eugene Aviles. The case officially remains open as detectives continue to follow up on any potential leads, leaving a family and community still searching for justice and closure.
