Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., today announced the sentencing of FERNANDO MUNERA, 29, to 40 years-to-life in state prison for brutally murdering his ex-girlfriend in her East Harlem apartment in May 2021. On May 14, MUNERA was convicted by a New York State Supreme Court jury of one count of Murder in the Second Degree, one count of Burglary in the First Degree, one count of Burglary in the Second Degree and one count of Criminal Attempt in the First Degree. 

“Alayna Hardy was a young woman who was beloved by her friends and family. Her life was tragically cut short by this chilling and brutal murder by her ex-boyfriend. No family should ever have to experience such a terrible loss and my thoughts are with those who continue to mourn Ms. Hardy. I hope this conviction and sentence sends a clear message that we will always pursue full accountability for anyone who commits this type of horrific violence,” said District Attorney Bragg. 

As proven at trial, MUNERA and Hardy had been in a volatile nine-month relationship and lived in the same apartment building on different floors. During an argument in February 2021, MUNERA held Hardy down, threw glass bottles of cosmetics at her as she curled up on her bed, threw items around her apartment and broke two interior doors. As a result of this incident an Order of Protection was issued directing MUNERA to stay away from Hardy. MUNERA and Hardy continued to see each other, and MUNERA increased his emotional abuse. He sought to control Hardy by calling her repeatedly, sending unwanted text messages and telling her how to dress, even when she was away on vacation. The weekend before the murder, MUNERA called her more than 80 times. 

On May 19, 2021, MUNERA and Hardy got into an argument. He attempted to force his way into her apartment after she locked him out. When Hardy called the police, MUNERA climbed over a fence in the back of the building and drove off on his motorcycle. 

MUNERA returned to the building shortly after the police left. He armed himself with a knife and an air pistol, climbed up the fire escape to Hardy’s 4th floor apartment, and crawled through an open window. He then attacked Hardy, stabbing her seven times, including in the neck and voice box, cutting, and biting her. MUNERA followed Hardy out of the apartment as she collapsed on the floor. He was covered in blood with a knife in his hands. Neighbors heard her screams and called the police. She died several minutes later in an ambulance on the way to the hospital.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant D.A.s Dafna Yoran and Joseph Abrams, under the supervision of Executive Assistant D.A. Lisa DelPizzo (Chief of the Trial Division). Executive Assistant D.A. Justin McNabney (Chief of the Special Victims Division) also provided assistance. 

D.A. Bragg thanked the NYPD, particularly Police Officer Henry Gregorek, previously of the 25th Precinct. 

Defendant Information: 

FERNANDO MUNERA 

New York, New York 

Convicted: 

• Murder in the Second Degree, a class A-I felony, one count 
• Burglary in the First Degree, a class B felony, one count 
• Burglary in the Second Degree, a class C felony, one count 
• Criminal Contempt in the First Degree, a class E felony, one count

Sentenced:

• 40 years-to-life state prison

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