New York, US: A quiet Friday afternoon in East New York erupted in tragedy when a beloved Brooklyn deli worker was fatally stabbed in an unprovoked attack, sending shockwaves through the tight-knit community that often sought comfort and camaraderie within the deli’s walls.
A Routine Day Turns Deadly
It was just after 3 p.m. at the NY Deli & Mini Market Corp., located at the corner of Hegeman and Van Siclen avenues, when the ordinary rhythms of the neighborhood shattered. Witnesses described how an agitated man entered the store, yelling and acting erratically for reasons unknown to anyone present. Though initially asked to leave by the staff—including the soon-to-be victim, 33-year-old Diego Sandoval-Nava—the man exited the shop, only to return a few minutes later, brimming with hostility.
An Unprovoked and Senseless Attack
According to accounts from those at the scene, the attacker attempted to get behind the counter, apparently in pursuit of loose cigarettes, a common request in New York’s bodegas. Diego, known for his kindness and calm presence, intervened in hopes of preventing escalation. The confrontation, however, turned deadly in an instant: the man produced a knife and stabbed Diego multiple times in the torso.
Despite emergency efforts and a rushed trip to Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center, Diego succumbed to his critical injuries, sending friends, coworkers, and regular customers into mourning. He had worked at the deli for years and lived in an apartment directly above, making the store not just his workplace but also a cornerstone of his daily life.
A Beloved Figure Remembered
To those who knew him, Diego was much more than just a clerk behind the counter. Regulars recall how he would greet them warmly, knew their favorite breakfast orders by heart, and often went out of his way to help anyone in need. “Diego was the kind of worker you want in your neighborhood store,” shared a customer. “He would feed people who were hungry and cared about everyone.”
His presence was a familiar comfort for residents—young and old—who frequented the shop for snacks, groceries, or just a bit of conversation. Now, a small makeshift memorial with candles and flowers marks the entrance, a somber reminder of the senseless violence that took him away.
The Hunt for the Suspect
Police quickly arrived at the bloodied scene but were unable to apprehend the assailant, who fled on foot. Descriptions provided by witnesses and law enforcement say the suspect is a man approximately 5’10” tall, around 190 pounds, with a dark complexion and braided hair. As of Sunday evening, no arrests have been made, and NYPD detectives are combing the area for leads.
Community leaders and advocates, including Fernando Mateo of United Bodegas of America, have called for swift justice and increased protection for workers who often find themselves on the frontline of unpredictable—and sometimes violent—encounters. “Working in a bodega is increasingly dangerous. This tragedy shows the real risks,” Mateo said, urging the city to take action before another senseless loss.
Fear and Grief Ripple Through the Community
This latest attack adds to growing concerns about safety in New York City’s neighborhood delis and bodegas. Questions linger about how such violence could erupt over something as trivial as loose cigarettes—a commodity whose sale is strictly regulated but often requested.
For now, residents of East New York are left grappling with grief and anxiety. “It’s shocking and heartbreaking,” shared one neighbor who lit a candle for Diego. “You never think something like this will happen at your neighborhood store.”
As police continue their search for the suspect, the deli remains shuttered, its windows dark and its regulars left to mourn a familiar face lost too soon. The NYPD urges anyone with information to come forward in hopes of bringing justice for Diego Sandoval-Nava and restoring a sense of safety to the community.
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