Avery Valentin Rivera, 20, was shot and killed in New London on the evening of March 18, 2025, around 6:18 p.m., in the area of 22 Moore Avenue. Officers found Rivera with gunshot wounds to his torso; first responders gave aid and he was taken to Lawrence + Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Rivera was found face-down with two gunshot wounds to his back and about $1,000 in cash scattered nearby. His silver Volvo was still running at the scene and shell casings were recovered on the street and inside the vehicle.

Authorities say the shooting does not appear to have been random. Investigators identified 21-year-old Navarre Zeigler of New London as a suspect; an officer at the scene reportedly recognized Zeigler in the crowd. Records say Rivera and Zeigler had exchanged messages arranging to meet on Moore Avenue, and Rivera’s last message at 6:11 p.m. said, Pulling up.

Rivera was a 2023 graduate of Saint Bernard’s in Uncasville. His obituary remembered his infectious smile and laugh, twinkly eyes, creative imagination as a writer and photographer, love of cooking and basketball, and time spent fishing, boating, with his twin brother and friends. Does anyone who knew Avery or who was in the Moore Avenue area that evening have information to share?