SYRACUSE, NY – Shaquoiya Allison’s life was defined by compassion. The 34-year-old caregiver devoted her days to helping others in the Syracuse community, touching the lives of those she supported and earning the love of everyone who knew her. Last summer, Allison’s promising life was cut short when her neighbor set fire to the South Avenue house where she lived, leading to her death and leaving her family and friends devastated.
Allison was asleep in a back room of the two-family residence on the night of June 18, 2024, when flames tore through the building just after 11 p.m. Despite efforts to escape, smoke quickly filled the home, ultimately claiming her life. The medical examiner later determined her cause of death was smoke inhalation, and her death was ruled a homicide.
Authorities later determined that Anthony Green, 60, who lived in the building, was responsible for igniting the deadly blaze. Prosecutors argued that Green’s actions stemmed from an argument earlier that evening with his girlfriend, who was hosting a gathering upstairs. As the party continued, Green remained outside on the front porch, harboring a simmering resentment that prosecutors say turned into a fatal act.
Jurors in Onondaga County deliberated before convicting Green in December 2025 of first-degree murder, attempted murder charges involving the other residents, and arson. Surveillance footage played a critical role in the trial, showing Green calmly leaving the residence as the fire erupted, then walking to a nearby store for cigarettes and eventually observing as the house burned from across the street.
Investigators never identified the exact mechanism used to start the fire, but alleged Green utilized an accelerant to speed the flames’ spread. Prosecutors said his behavior before and after the blaze, along with a history of domestic conflict, led them to believe the fire was no accident. Green has consistently denied the allegations, and his attorney has announced plans to appeal.
In court, Allison’s mother remembered her daughter as an exceptionally generous and empathetic person. Employed as a caregiver with two local organizations, Allison helped countless individuals live more independent lives. “Our family is shattered,” her mother told the judge, describing the immense loss and heartbreak felt by those closest to her.
Judge Mary Anne Doherty, who presided over the case, delivered a scathing rebuke to Green during sentencing. Calling his actions “so evil it defies logic,” Doherty handed down a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. The judge said the sentence was necessary to ensure Green could never harm anyone again.
Authorities indicated Allison was not the intended target, but rather a tragic casualty in a plot to harm Green’s girlfriend, who uses a prosthetic leg. Prosecutors contended the fire was set while she was likely unable to escape easily from the upstairs party, putting her and the other attendees in grave danger.
After the trial, friends and family remembered Allison’s sunny demeanor and unwavering dedication to others. Her obituary described her as loving and kind—a woman whose absence leaves an irreplaceable void.
As the legal process continues, with the defendant planning an appeal, Allison’s loved ones remain focused on honoring her memory and the legacy she built through her caring spirit and service to others.