Deli worker shot and killed on the job in the East Village. Here's what we know.
The deadly shooting of a deli worker late Saturday night in Lower Manhattan has left a community in mourning.
The latest on the investigation
Police say just after 11:30 p.m. officers responded to a 911 call in front of Sal's Deli and Grocery on Avenue B and East 13th Street in the East Village and found the victim, identified as 28-year-old Abdul Saleh, with a gunshot wound to the torso. he was rushed to Bellevue Hospital, but later died.
They also found a second man, also 28 years old and also with a gunshot wound to the torso. He was rushed to the hospital and is recovering, but on Monday night he was charged in the shooting. Police sources say he was hit by a ricocheted bullet that he fired from his own gun.
Sources say the suspect refused to pay for a meal and then he had an argument with Saleh.
"What I saw was my friend dying on the corner"
Despite the deli being closed on Sunday, many in the community stopped by to lay flowers and remember Saleh, who acquaintances say was a married father of two and had just recently returned from a trip to Yemen to visit his family.
His death has left many shocked and outraged.
"What I heard was a pop, pop, pop. What I saw was my friend dying on the corner," Rex Hughes said. "I didn't see the situation that occurred until I saw the videotape. It was just an argument that started in the bodega, and then it made its way outside. Unfortunately, my dear friend, he's one of the funniest and most gentle and sweet souls."
"He was always smiling. We laughed, talked. To see someone in our community who was a pillar gone is just hurtful," friend Tanya Minto added.
United Bodegas of America spokesman Fernando Mateo is among those calling for enhanced safeguards for bodega workers.
"We stand with Abdul's family and will continue fighting for stronger protections for all bodega workers. We need help and commitment from the City, the State, the DA's & the Judges in order to reform Bail Reform Laws," Mateo said in a statement.