The NYPD is seeking the public’s help in unraveling the mystery surrounding the murder of a 75-year-old grandfather and retired baker who was gunned down on the banks of a Queens lake.
Police released images of Albert Itzkowtiz and are offering a $3,500 reward in exchange for information on the fatal shooting that claimed his life in Kissena Park on Monday.
Itzkowitz was found dead inside the park near Kissena Lake shortly before 5 p.m. He had been shot repeatedly, cops said, leaving friends and family wondering who would want to harm a “simple, religious” man grieving the recent loss of his longtime spouse.
No weapon was found at the scene and the investigation has been hampered by the remote location where Itzkowitz was found, a police source with knowledge of the case said. That section of the park was far from any surveillance cameras and police have found no witnesses to the killing.
It was unclear if Itzkowitz was targeted or the victim of random violence and locla politicians are calling for answers.
Izkowitz’s neighbor, Daniel Khaimov, prevpoulsy told he News the retired baker’s death has shocked the close-knit community of Kew Gardens Hills, where he lived.
“It’s a mystery,” Khaimov said. “We know he was shot, but we do not know what happened.”
An autopsy concluded that Itzkowitz died of gunshot wounds to the neck and torso. His death was ruled a homicide, a spokeswoman for the city Medical Examiner said. The victim lived more than two miles away from where he was shot.
Itzkowitz, a longtime Hatzolah volunteer, owned Mendy’s Bakery on Main St., around the corner from his home, but he had sold the business more than 15 years ago, neighbors said. Itzkowitz continued to frequent his former bakery after selling the business located on Main St., which is now a Holy Schnitzel franchise.
“This was his bakery years and years ago,” Eric Ilyau, manager of Holy Schnitzel, told The News Wednesday. “They would get a big order and take the food home like every Sunday. (He would get) the kids and everyone together.”
“I gave the father a tour and tears came down his eyes,” Ilyau remembered. “He’s an older man and remembered this was his business.”
NYPD
Police are offering a $3,500 reward for information on the murder of Albert Itzkowitz, who was gunned down in Kissena Park in Queens on Monday. (NYPD)
Friends said they have no idea why the quiet, religious man would be targeted.
“There was a crime,” a friend of the family said. “What was the motive for the crime? This is very not known yet.”
After selling his bakery, Itzkowitz continued working in the food industry, where he ensured Jewish cuisine met Kosher standards, but had taken time off work in recent months to care for his ailing wife, friends said.
“He was a dedicated, simple religious man, who it was a pleasure to be around,” the victim’s friend said.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential.
