Posted on: July 17, 2024 08:55 AM

Share : Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp

Queens Village man incited for fatally stabbing stranger in deli

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that Jahshua Kelley was indicted by a grand jury and arraigned today on murder, assault and weapon charges in the fatal stabbing of a 40-year-old man inside a Jamaica deli on June 22. The violence allegedly unfolded after the two men encountered each other outside the deli and the dispute spilled into the store where Kelley is accused of throwing a pineapple at the victim before stabbing him multiple times.

District Attorney Katz said: “A seemingly minor disagreement led to a brutal and senseless stabbing inside a Jamaica deli where the victim lost his life. This type of violence has no place in our businesses and on our streets. We will hold the defendant responsible for his alleged actions.”

Kelley, 40, of 107th Avenue in Queens Village, was arraigned on a four-count indictment charging him with murder in the second degree, two counts of assault in the second degree, and criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree. Supreme Court Justice Michael B. Aloise remanded the defendant and ordered him to return to court on September 24.

If convicted, the defendant faces up to 25 years to life in prison.

According to the charges and video surveillance:

• On June 22, at approximately 9:33 p.m., Kelley walked past 40-year-old Nurul Bhuiyan near 168-23 Jamaica Avenue. Bhuiyan, who was not acquainted with the defendant, briefly followed Kelley. The defendant then turned and walked toward Bhuiyan, swinging his arms at him. The two continued to engage with one another before Bhuiyan backed away onto the street and appeared to swing a silver object at Kelley as Kelley followed him.
• Bhuiyan then ran into Sammy Gourmet Deli at 169-03 Jamaica Avenue with Kelley in pursuit. Once inside the shop, both men walked behind the counter where Bhuiyan picked up a knife. Kelley contended that Bhuiyan had taken his wallet.
• Kelley threw a pineapple toward Bhuiyan. He then grabbed a knife and approached Bhuiyan who put down the knife he was holding and grabbed a baseball bat. A struggle ensued and Kelley stabbed Bhuiyan in the neck multiple times causing his death.
• Kelley then cleaned his hands before leaving the store.
• On June 25, while Kelley was in the 103rdPrecinct at 168-02 91st Avenue, he punched one officer in the head and head-butted and punched another officer multiple times.

From Queens DA