Prior to last Saturday, the city had gone nearly two weeks without a single homicide; an unprecedented streak, especially for a metropolis of New York’s size and density.
The 12-day record came to a violent end shortly before noon on Friday, as a 28-year-old man was shot in the head, leg and hand on 89th Street in Woodhaven, according to police and published reports.
Eric Roman was rushed to Jamaica Hospital, where he remained in critical condition until he succumbed to his injuries a little more than 24 hours later.
As of Tuesday afternoon, police were still searching for Roman’s assailants. Investigators said that according to witnesses, a suspect fled the scene in a dark Mercedes-Benz sedan.
The new year has been a violent one so far for the 102nd Precinct. According to the latest available CompStat numbers, including the Roman murder there have been five shooting incidents, compared to none at this time last year.
By Michael V. Cusenza
