Elderly Female Fatally Shot in East Harlem, Confirms Police Report
In the heart of East Harlem, a tragic incident unfolded just before 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, at the intersection of East 110th Street and Madison Avenue, near Central Park.
As Juanita Arnold, a 60-year-old woman, was walking with Robin Wright, a 69-year-old local resident, a shooting occurred inside a Chinese restaurant. The gunfire sent shockwaves through the community.
Juanita Arnold turned around after hearing gunshots and found Robin Wright on the ground. Robin Wright, who lived down the street from the location of the incident, told Juanita Arnold she had been shot. Juanita had to check herself to ensure she was not hit during the shooting.
Despite the best efforts of emergency services, Robin Wright was later pronounced dead at Morningside Hospital. The shooter fled in an unknown direction after the shooting.
The incident has left the community in mourning, with neighbours calling for a more consistent police presence in the area following the shooting. Democratic district leader William Smith expressed the community's sentiments, stating, "We do not want a police state, but we also do not want a community where people can freely discharge illegal firearms and lose our seniors and community pillars."
The 23rd Precinct, which covers East Harlem, has seen a decrease in shootings this year. Through Aug. 24, there have been 4 shootings, a decrease from 6 in the same period in 2024.
Police are still investigating the shooting incident, and no further details about the identity of the shooter or the motive for the shooting have been released.
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Robin Wright during this difficult time.
