Home invader shot dead in Schenectady as victim charged with illegal gun possession

A Schenectady man who killed an armed intruder now faces charges for illegally owning the gun he used.
Home invader shot dead in Schenectady as victim charged with illegal gun possession
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SCHENECTADY, N.Y. — A 28-year-old man was fatally shot during an armed home invasion in Schenectady last Thursday, with police now charging the resident for illegal possession of the weapon used in the shooting.

Yadram Singh, of Schenectady, was identified as the intruder shot and killed at 1834 Hamburg Street on April 24, 2025, according to a news release from the Schenectady Police Department. Authorities say Singh was engaged in an armed home invasion when he was shot by 25-year-old Marc A. Cunningham, the resident of the home.


Key Points

  • Yadram Singh, 28, was killed during an armed home invasion on Hamburg Street.
  • Resident Marc A. Cunningham, 25, shot Singh during the incident.
  • Cunningham is charged with illegal possession of the firearm used in the shooting.

Resident acted during home invasion, police say

Schenectady Police said their investigation determined that Singh had forcibly entered the residence while armed. Cunningham reportedly used a firearm during the confrontation, resulting in Singh’s death at the scene.

While police say Cunningham was defending himself during an active home invasion, the gun he used was not legally owned.

The firearm was recovered and found to have been unlawfully possessed, prompting criminal charges against Cunningham.

Illegal possession charge filed despite self-defense claim

Authorities confirmed Cunningham has been charged with criminal possession of a weapon due to the illegal status of the firearm. No additional charges related to the shooting itself have been announced.

The investigation into the incident remains active, and police have not released further details about Singh’s weapon or whether any accomplices were involved.

Police have not disclosed how Cunningham came into possession of the firearm or whether it had previously been reported stolen.

Case highlights legal limits of self-defense gun use

The Hamburg Street incident has drawn attention to New York’s strict firearm regulations, particularly surrounding the possession of unregistered weapons—even in cases of self-defense.

No information has been released regarding Cunningham’s legal representation or his upcoming court appearance.