Man convicted of shooting and killing a woman, her friend, and a dog during a dispute over excessive barking.

A Manhattan resident has been convicted of murder in a shocking case involving the fatal shooting of a woman, her friend, and the friend’s dog over a longstanding dispute regarding barking. On Thursday, a jury found 34-year-old Lenue Moore guilty on all charges related to the tragic events that occurred on September 29, 2023, in Washington Heights.

The jury’s decision comes after Moore was accused of gunning down 57-year-old Jacqueline Billini and 42-year-old Levaughn Harvin in a brutal attack that unfolded in front of Harvin’s children, who witnessed the violence firsthand. Prosecutors detailed how Moore shot both victims in the head on the corner of West 165th Street and Edgecomb Avenue around 6:30 p.m. before also shooting Billini’s pet dog, Zeus. Moore is now facing a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole, with sentencing scheduled for January 28, 2024. Family members of the victims have expressed their desire for justice, with Billini’s brother stating that only the death penalty would suffice for his sister’s killer.

The conflict between Moore and Billini dates back several years, stemming from disputes over the noise generated by Billini’s dogs. Court records reveal that Billini had complained to both her family and the building’s management about Moore’s aggressive behavior, feeling increasingly threatened in her own home. In a particularly alarming incident five months prior to the shooting, Moore broke down Billini’s apartment door, injuring her in the process and assaulting several family members who attempted to intervene.

Billini, who worked as an analyst for the New York state court system, was at the cusp of retirement, having dedicated nearly 30 years of her life to public service. Her family described her as a beloved figure in the community, often serving as a source of support for others. Harvin had recently started accompanying Billini on her walks, functioning as an informal protector during her trips with Zeus, as tensions with Moore escalated.

Friends of Billini lamented her untimely and senseless death, emphasizing the profound impact she had on those around her. As the judicial process continues, the community reflects on the wider implications of this tragic incident, underscoring the need to address disputes between neighbors before they escalate to violence.

As the case draws significant attention, it serves as a reminder of the potential for conflict in urban environments and the tragic outcomes that can arise from unresolved disputes. The full ramifications of Moore’s actions will continue to unfold as the March sentencing approaches.