Police: 5-day manhunt ends with arrest of suspect in deadly bodega shooting

Police say charges have been filed against a man who shot and killed a 34-year-old Bronx bodega worker Friday night in Mott Haven.

News 12 Staff

Feb 17, 2020, 2:58 PM

Updated 1,536 days ago

Share:

Police say charges have been filed against a man who shot and killed a 34-year-old Bronx bodega worker Friday night in Mott Haven.
Police arrested 33-year-old Leonard Nieves Wednesday night after a five-day manhunt charging him with murder in the second degree. Police say he shot 34-year-old Yahya Almuntser several times in the chest and body.
Police released video of Nieves walking into the bodega on the corner of East 137th St. and Brook Avenue walking with a cane and wearing a ski mask. Police say he walked in and fired several rounds at the employee after a dispute.
Sources told News 12 that the murder may have been drug related, saying a Bronx narcotics team had previously arrested the victim on Thursday, and later released him. They say the next day, Almuntser went back to work and was then shot, possibly in relation to the arrest.  However, the motive is still unclear.
The B&A Gourmet Deli was closed Monday morning as police investigated. A small memorial for Almuntser was set up outside the bodega.
Many residents say they are mourning Almuntser's death and that he was a valuable member of the community. A customer of the store says the victim was expecting a baby boy with his wife.
Police say Nieves was also arrested for manslaughter and criminal possession of a weapon.
 


More from News 12
1:44
SUNY Purchase students start pro-Palestinian encampment

SUNY Purchase students start pro-Palestinian encampment

2:22
Partly sunny, light breeze for Friday in the Hudson Valley; afternoon showers for Saturday

Partly sunny, light breeze for Friday in the Hudson Valley; afternoon showers for Saturday

2:48
Pro-Palestinian encampment remains at SUNY New Paltz campus

Pro-Palestinian encampment remains at SUNY New Paltz campus

0:22
Mount Vernon police: No injuries reported following shots fired incident

Mount Vernon police: No injuries reported following shots fired incident

0:32
Rep. Ryan calls for planned Central Hudson rate increase to be denied

Rep. Ryan calls for planned Central Hudson rate increase to be denied

0:21
Yonkers Art unveils 2 new exhibits ahead of weekend festival

Yonkers Art unveils 2 new exhibits ahead of weekend festival

1:26
Look up! Annual Eta Aquarid meteor shower peaks early Sunday morning

Look up! Annual Eta Aquarid meteor shower peaks early Sunday morning

0:33
Dobbs Ferry man facing federal charges of illegal possession of firearms, ammunition

Dobbs Ferry man facing federal charges of illegal possession of firearms, ammunition

1:47
Ex-Monticello officer who admitted to sex assault of underage teen reinstated to department after arrest

Ex-Monticello officer who admitted to sex assault of underage teen reinstated to department after arrest

0:36
Police: Woman arrested in connection to student brawl outside Yonkers school

Police: Woman arrested in connection to student brawl outside Yonkers school

1:44
Poughkeepsie leaders ask public for help to find troubled teens before tragedy strikes

Poughkeepsie leaders ask public for help to find troubled teens before tragedy strikes

1:02
Ribbon-cutting ceremony held for completion of New Rochelle affordable housing development

Ribbon-cutting ceremony held for completion of New Rochelle affordable housing development

0:32
Bedford School District to receive more money aid, boost in funding from state

Bedford School District to receive more money aid, boost in funding from state

0:30
Blooming Grove highway worker seriously injured during tree removal

Blooming Grove highway worker seriously injured during tree removal

0:23
Overnight road work to close Exit 7 on Cross County Parkway in Westchester

Overnight road work to close Exit 7 on Cross County Parkway in Westchester

3:52
I-95 in Norwalk closed until at least Monday following tractor-trailer fire

I-95 in Norwalk closed until at least Monday following tractor-trailer fire

0:28
SPCA Westchester launches first mobile adoption unit

SPCA Westchester launches first mobile adoption unit

News 12 Westchester/Hudson Valley Daily Poll

News 12 Westchester/Hudson Valley Daily Poll

1:44
Exploring the Westchester children's museum: A journey of play and discovery

Exploring the Westchester children's museum: A journey of play and discovery

0:36
Live Nation Concert Week offers $25 tickets to over 5,000 shows

Live Nation Concert Week offers $25 tickets to over 5,000 shows