BROOKLYN, NY – A local bodega worker was fatally shot on Monday following a dispute over a cigar, according to local law enforcement and the victim’s family. The confrontation turned deadly outside Amin Deli in Crown Heights, where the 37-year-old, identified as Nazim Berry, was working as a clerk.
Berry’s mother, Danette Hollie, claimed that the suspect initially requested a Black and Mild cigar without intending to pay for it. When Berry rightfully refused, a heated argument ensued. Hollie alleges that the perpetrator left the store only to return with a firearm, leading to a physical altercation outside the bodega at around 4:15 p.m.
Berry was shot in the back of the head and later pronounced dead at Kings County Hospital Center. The suspect managed to escape on foot, with no arrests made thus far.
Hollie, grief-stricken, mentioned her son’s longstanding service at the bodega, noting that he had prior difficulties with customers expecting handouts. She described him as a “beautiful person” who suffered from schizophrenia and had a case worker for support.
United Bodegas of America (UBA), a union representing bodega workers, has announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in the case. UBA spokesperson Fernando Mateo lamented the loss of a young life over a minor dispute. He called on New York City judges and law enforcement officials to hold criminals more accountable for the safety of bodega workers.