NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) – A deli worker was fatally shot and killed on the job in Brooklyn on Monday afternoon—by a man who demanded a free cigar from him, according to police, sources and the victim's family.
The 37-year-old victim, Nazim Berry, was working at the Amin Deli at 801 Franklin Ave. in Crown Heights around 4:15 p.m. when he was involved in a dispute that led to him getting shot in the head outside the store, according to police.
He was pronounced dead at NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County.
The NYPD released images of the suspect later Tuesday.
As police continued to investigate, law enforcement sources told 1010 WINS that the shooting was over a cigar—the shooter tried to get Berry to buy him a Black & Mild, and when Berry declined, the two men got into an argument that ultimately ended in gunfire.
Berry's mother, Danette Hollie, said her son grew up in the neighborhood and worked at the deli for years, doing jobs like making deliveries, stocking the freezers and cleaning the store. She said he was proud to work and help others.
"He was a beautiful person," Hollie said. "I knew it had to be over something stupid, because I know his heart."
She also heard that her son was shot by a man demanding a free cigar. She said the man left but soon returned with a gun, leading to a struggle in which Berry was shot.
"They said that they tussled," she said, "and you know when you bend down and you tussling—and the guy pointed the gun right to the side of his head, the back of his head, and shot him."
"The whole attitude was [the shooter] couldn't accept, 'no,'" she said.
Longtime customers remembered Berry as humble and quiet and couldn't believe someone would shoot him.
The United Bodega Workers of America is offering a $10,000 reward for information in the killing.
"This is simply out of control," said UBA President Radhames Rodriguez. "We cannot continue to do business in a city plagued with criminals that simply want to take over our properties."
