In the early morning hours of September 28, 2001, a single intruder forced entry into a home at 1814 Niagara Ave in Niagara Falls and fatally shot Anthony Avojan. Avojan had been sleeping in the living room with a married couple who were friends and their three children; he often visited the house and sometimes worked on cars with one of the residents. The house was also known locally as a place where drugs were sold.

About 3:35 a.m. the door was knocked and then kicked open. A Black male armed with a shotgun entered the dining room; as Avojan moved toward the French doors between living and dining rooms, two shots were fired. One round is believed to have struck the floor; the second passed through the French doors and killed Avojan. A witness saw a car speed away. Investigators circulated a vague description of the suspect — a Black male in a short-sleeved white shirt, white sneakers, and a black bandana — but the case cooled despite a family reward offered a year later.

The murder remains unsolved and no arrests have been announced. If anyone knew Anthony or has information about that night, please come forward.