Abe Lebewohl, a 65-year-old White male, was a beloved figure in his Manhattan neighborhood, known to many as the "Mayor of Second Avenue". A Holocaust survivor who built a life in America, he was the founder and proprietor of the iconic 2nd Avenue Deli, a popular eatery for celebrities and locals alike. His generosity was well-known, as he was someone who would offer a meal to both the city's elite and its homeless population.
On the morning of March 4, 1996, Lebewohl was following his
daily routine, a schedule that was predictable to those who knew him. He was driving his deli's van to make a deposit at a NatWest bank, located just a few blocks from his establishment on Second Avenue. The deposit bag he carried contained around $10,000 in weekend earnings. Just as he was about to get out of his van outside the bank, he was ambushed. One or more assailants forced him into the back of the vehicle, where he was shot multiple times in the head and stomach. The attackers then drove the van a block away to First Avenue. Despite his grave injuries, Lebewohl managed to open the van door and fell onto the sidewalk. A passerby heard him say, "They got me," before he collapsed. He was rushed to Bellevue Hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after his arrival.
The murder of such a well-regarded community member sent shockwaves through the city. The investigation that followed produced some leads, but ultimately led to a dead end. His money bag was found the next day on East 25th Street, and his wallet was discovered the day after that on East 30th Street. A significant piece of evidence, a. 25-caliber Raven handgun, was recovered in Central Park. Ballistics testing confirmed it was the weapon used to kill Lebewohl. Investigators also linked the gun to other violent crimes, including a 1994 shooting in the Bronx and a double homicide during a motel robbery in Westchester County.
Despite a police sketch of a suspect being released and numerous witness interviews, the case grew cold. Investigators have theorized that the robbery may have been an inside job, perpetrated by someone who knew Lebewohl's routine. There was also witness testimony suggesting a woman may have been involved, seen running from the van. However, to this day, no arrests have ever been made in connection with the murder of Abe Lebewohl. The case remains an unsolved homicide, with his family continuing to offer a substantial reward of $150,000 for information that could finally lead to the conviction of his killer or killers. Two retired detectives who originally worked the case continue to investigate in the hopes of one day bringing closure to the family.
