Albany Times Union

Arrested in slaying

Police say suspect knew high school senior who was shot on road May 3

- By Claire Bryan

Police say suspect knew high school senior who was fatally shot on May 3.

An 18-year-old man has been charged with murder in the death of Chyna Forney, 18, who was killed by a gunshot last week on Essex Street, police said Thursday.

After an investigat­ion by the Albany Police Department’s Criminal Investigat­ion Unit, Alvin Foy was charged with second-degree murder, firstdegre­e reckless endangerme­nt and criminal possession of a weapon, police said. He was arraigned Thursday afternoon and was sent to the Albany County jail.

Forney was a student at Albany Leadership Charter High School for Girls and was described by the school’s principal Carina Cook as a bubbly teen with a “radiant, infectious smile and personalit­y,” and career focus. She was a leader on the school’s indoor and outdoor track teams and planned to continue track and field in college, the Times Union previously reported.

She was found just west of Rawson Street at about 2:50 p.m. Monday, May 3, with a gunshot wound in her back, police said.

Police spokesman Steve Smith said Foy and Forney knew each other but he would not elaborate.

C1Her death prompted a community outpouring, as a large memorial grew around the shooting site, with candles, stuffed animals, poignant messages and a “2021” graduation sign. A Gofundme donation effort for her family rose in just one day to over $3,000 last week. It was over $6,500 Thursday night.

The arrest came on the same day as a funeral service was held for Forney at Elijah Missionary Church in Albany. Members of the community posted comments on Forney’s obituary site.

“Every time she came to work, she would always make me laugh when I was unhappy,” wrote one man on Forney’s obituary site. “She would always make a bad day into a good one no matter what. I was devastated when I heard she died. She will never be forgotten by me or anyone else. May she rest in heavenly piece and fly high with the angels.”

“A precious soul one that will be forever missed,” another person wrote. “Shannon and Family my heart goes out to you. Baby girl looked amazing today. God bless you guys. TS Family forever.”

 ?? Will Waldron / Times Union ?? A memorial for Chyna Forney is seen on May 6 on Essex Street in Albany. The Albany Leadership Charter High School for Girls student was found lying on Essex Street with a gunshot wound in her back.
Will Waldron / Times Union A memorial for Chyna Forney is seen on May 6 on Essex Street in Albany. The Albany Leadership Charter High School for Girls student was found lying on Essex Street with a gunshot wound in her back.
 ?? Will Waldron / Times Union ?? A memorial for Chyna Forney is filled with candles and messages of love and condolence on May 6 on Essex Street in Albany.
Will Waldron / Times Union A memorial for Chyna Forney is filled with candles and messages of love and condolence on May 6 on Essex Street in Albany.

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