A visit meant for joyous celebration turned into a heart-wrenching tragedy for Reda Girgis, a 66-year-old man from Egypt. He had traveled to New York to be with his son and daughter-in-law, eagerly awaiting the birth of his grandchild. However, his life was cut short when he was struck by a stray bullet in front of his son's deli in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan.
On the evening of May 23, 2023, Girgis was outside the Chop Cheese Deli 2, located at the corner of
Broadway and West 162nd Street. He was reportedly trying to connect to the WiFi to call his son. At that moment, a car drove by, and shots were fired towards a group of young men standing nearby, who were believed to be the intended targets. One of those bullets fatally struck Girgis in the head. He was rushed to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.
The senseless act of violence that claimed the life of an innocent bystander sparked an intensive investigation by the New York City Police Department. Their efforts led to the arrests of three individuals in connection with the shooting. The suspects were identified as Jonadel Lakard, 23, Kelwin Sanchez, 19, and Raheam Steed, 22.
Following their arrests on June 7, 2023, the three men were indicted on charges of murder in the second degree and criminal possession of a weapon. Prosecutors allege that the suspects were involved in a retaliatory shooting aimed at rivals, and that Reda Girgis was an unintended victim caught in the crossfire. The Manhattan District Attorney's Office announced the indictment, emphasizing the tragedy of a grandfather-to-be being taken from his family during what should have been a happy time.
