Photo Courtesy of Google
Cohen shot Tarwala Mahmadkhurshid as Mahmadkhurshid worked inside Cross Bay Express Deli.
By Michael V. Cusenza
Photo Courtesy of Google
“I hope the victim’s family will find a measure of closure in knowing the defendant will serve a long prison sentence,” DA Katz said.
A homeless man has been sentenced to more than two decades in prison for the shooting death of a 26-year-old Ozone Park store clerk after a brief verbal altercation, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced on Tuesday.
Steven Cohen, 66, pleaded guilty on March 30 to manslaughter in the first degree. Queens Supreme Court Justice Ira Margulis on Monday sentenced Cohen to 22 years in prison to be followed by five years’ post-release supervision.
According to the charges, on Oct. 26, 2020, at approximately 6:15 p.m., Cohen argued with worker Tarwala Mahmadkhurshid inside the Cross Bay Express Deli on Cross Bay Boulevard. Cohen was ordered out of the store but returned a short time later with a Colt revolver.
Cohen pointed the gun at Mahmadkhurshid and fired multiple times. The victim was struck in the abdomen by a single bullet. Cohen then fired the weapon again, aiming for another deli employee, but he missed his intended target.
An off-duty police officer who was inside the store jumped into action, tackled Cohen, disarmed and held him until other officers arrived on the scene.
Mahmadkhurshid was immediately transported to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center and later died from his injuries.
“The callous actions of this defendant cost the life of an innocent man who was simply doing his job,” Katz said. “I hope the victim’s family will find a measure of closure in knowing the defendant will serve a long prison sentence.”
In 2020, Katz also shined the spotlight on one of New York’s Finest.
“We need to thank the off-duty police officer for his bravery and swift action, tackling and disarming the defendant, assuring that no other lives were lost,” Katz said.
