A family dog named Arya, a Pomeranian and Husky mix, was tragically struck by a stray bullet at her home in Queens. The incident occurred in the early hours of a Sunday when the bullet shattered the family’s living room window in Howard Beach. Despite initially showing signs of recovery, Arya’s injuries proved to be too severe, and she ultimately passed away on the following Friday morning. Her owner, Lisa Murena, expressed her devastation over the loss, stating that Arya did not deserve such a fate.
The bullet had pierced Arya’s groin and nicked her colon, leaving her unable to walk after undergoing surgery. Despite the efforts of the veterinary team at Brooklyn Critical Care Vet, Arya succumbed to heart failure. The source of the bullet was traced back to a neighboring house, where an 18-year-old named Joshua Marte had fled after the incident. Marte was apprehended by the police and made a statement expressing remorse for his actions. The community was shocked and outraged by the shooting, with many questioning the presence of guns in the hands of teenagers.
Neighbors and members of the community called for stricter gun laws and increased background checks to prevent such incidents from reoccurring. Lisa Murena emphasized the need for change and praised the ASPCA for their support and assistance during Arya’s treatment. The ASPCA helped cover Arya’s veterinary bills and provided compassion to the grieving family. The Murenas had adopted Arya in 2020 when she was 2 years old, and her loss was deeply felt by all who knew her.
The case involving Joshua Marte is set to be heard in Queens Supreme Criminal Court on May 10. Marte’s lawyer, Joseph Nohavicka, did not provide a statement regarding the incident. The tragic death of Arya serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible gun ownership and the potential dangers that stray bullets can pose to innocent individuals and animals. The Murena family and their community continue to mourn the loss of their beloved pet and advocate for justice in the wake of this senseless act of violence.
