Store Owner Isaac Kadare Found Dead Inside 99 Cents Store In Bensonhurst
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The death of a Bensonhurst store owner, who was found inside his shop, was ruled a homicide by the Medical Examiner Friday.
However, family, friends and authorities are still seeking answers to the murder mystery.
Isaac Kadare, 59, was found dead around 9 p.m. 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 are now looking into any possible business relationships gone bad and are searching the footage from numerous storefront cameras.
1010 WINS' Glenn Schuck Reports
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Police were seen taking photos of the cash register and collecting evidence. Sources said there were no surveillance cameras inside the store. Residents in the area described the father of four as being well-liked in the neighborhood.
"He was a very kind man, a very nice man," said 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. But this really was a great man, he was very, very giving," said Ray Lopez, one of Kadare's tenants.
Late Friday night, a relative told CBS 2 that Kadare may have collected rent in cash from one of his tenants right before the murder and his killer may have known he had the money.
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"It's very sad. I always see him and his kids and his wife," one of Kadare's neighbors told 1010 WINS' Glenn Schuck. "He's a very good guy. He has no enemies."
Loved ones poured into Kadare's home two miles away to pay their respects.
Family friend Daniel Frija described Kadare as a devout Sephardic Jew who studied the Torah every day.
"I know for a fact if anyone asked for money, he would have gave it to them in an instant," Frija said. "He's not the type to fight whatsoever, so I know whoever did it, did a malicious act."
Kadare's body was discovered Thursday night around 8:30 p.m. by a couple who entered his store to shop. Earlier Friday, authorities said he was shot and stabbed, but not robbed.
"Nothing was taken from the store that we're aware of now. The proceeds were in the register. The personal property appears to be on him," Police Commissioner Ray Kelly said.
Kadare was born to Egyptian parents in Israel and was raised there. Kadare's family was planning a celebration for his 60th birthday next week, but now they're planning his burial. His body will be returned to Tel Aviv for services and burial over the weekend.
Sen. Marty Golden said he is offering a $5,000 reward in the case and said "My sympathies are with his family."
Police are still investigating.
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