By: Richard L. Smith
Authorities in Warren County and the NJ Attorney General's Office are investigating a deadly domestic violence shooting in Columbia Tuesday night. 
Warren County Communications received a distressing 911 call at 7:49 p.m., reporting a shooting at a residence.
Police said the incident prompted an immediate response from the New Jersey State Police, the Warren County Prosecutor's Office, and medical emergency teams, who quickly arrived at the scene at 3 Columbia St.
Upon arrival, the investigation revealed that a violent altercation had occurred.
Earlier that day, Mr. Armond Anthony Avitable, a resident of East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, was in a domestic dispute that necessitated his departure from his home.
In search of refuge, Avitable contacted an acquaintance, Kevin Schilling, of Columbia, NJ.
Police said Schilling came to Avitable's Pennsylvania residence, subsequently escorting him back to the Schilling household in New Jersey, where Kevin lived with his wife, Cheryl Schilling.
According to police, the situation deteriorated around 6:00 p.m., shortly after Avitable's arrival at the Schilling residence.
A disagreement ensued, with Avitable becoming increasingly agitated and confrontational.
Police said Avitable armed himself with a pump-action shotgun from the lower level of the house and discharged a shot. The Schillings retreated upstairs, seeking safety in a bedroom, but Avitable pursued and fired two more shots, injuring Cheryl Schilling in the arm and upper torso.
Following the shooting, police said Avitable exited the residence, encountering neighbors who were outside by a fire.
He attempted to justify his actions by claiming self-defense against Kevin Schilling.
Avitable then discharged two more shots toward the Schilling home, abandoned the shotgun on a neighbor's property, and fled the scene, authorities said.
Police officials said officers located Avitable near the intersection of Interstate Highway Route 80 and State Highway Route 46, where he resisted arrest, leading to a physical altercation with New Jersey State Troopers.
The confrontation ended with Avitable experiencing a medical emergency; despite immediate CPR and medical intervention, he was pronounced dead at Lehigh Valley, Pocono Medical Center, at approximately 9:01 p.m.
The investigation continues, with authorities working to understand what led to the deadly encounter.