NYPD: Bensonhurst Murder Suspect May Have Killed Bay Ridge Shopkeeper In July
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - Police have a suspect in mind in connection with the homicide of Bensonhurst store owner Isaac Kadare.
Kadare, 59, was found dead around 9 p.m. on Thursday by two customers inside the "Amazing 99 cents Deals" store in the 1800 block of 86th Street. He was found shot in the head, the Medical Examiner confirmed with CBS 2.
Police told 1010 WINS that they believe that the same suspect who murdered Kadare also killed a Bay Ridge shopkeeper on July 6. The suspect description is similar, and ballistics tests confirm that the same .22-caliber gun was used in both murders.
Neighbors told 1010 WINS reporter Gary Baumgarten that they were upset by the rash of violence that has plagued the neighborhood.
1010 WINS Reporter Gary Baumgarten reports...
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A $12,000 reward -- $10,000 from the New York City Police Department and $2,000 from Crime Stoppers -- is being offered for information leading to the suspect's arrest. Brooklyn State Senator Marty Golden added that he'll provide another $5,000 in connection with each case.
"He was a very kind man, a very nice man," said Bensonhurst resident Tina Ariola. "He didn't deserve this. Nobody does."
Kadare owned not only the store where he was found, but also the building, which has apartments above it. Tenants who talked to CBS 2 remembered him as friendly, fair and ethical, CBS 2′s Dave Carlin reported.
"Everyone says, when they lose somebody, 'He was a great man,'" said Ray Lopez, one of Kadare's tenants. "But this really was a great man. He was very, very giving."
Community Affairs Officers are going from store to store on Saturday to warn shop owners. They are ensuring that the owners have the suspect's sketch and are remaining vigilant.
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