Man indicted in fatal stabbing stranger inside Queens deli

NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) — A 40-year-old man was arraigned on murder and assault charges on Wednesday in the fatal stabbing of a man inside a Queens deli last month Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced.

Jahshua Kelley was arraigned on a four-count indictment charging him with murder, assault and criminal possession of a weapon.

According to the charges, at approximately 9:33 p.m. on June 22, Kelley walked past 40-year-old Nurul Bhuiyan near 168-23 Jamaica Ave. in Jamaica where Bhuiyan, who was not acquainted with Kelley, briefly followed him.

Kelley then turned and walked toward Bhuiyan, swinging his arms at him. The two continued their dispute and Bhuiyan appeared to swing a silver object at Kelley as he followed him.

Bhuiyan ran into Sammy Gourmet Deli at 169-03 Jamaica Ave with Kelley in pursuit. Once inside the shop, both men walked behind the counter where Bhuiyan picked up a knife. Kelley argued that Bhuiyan had taken his wallet, authorities said.

Kelley then threw a pineapple toward Bhuiyan then grabbed a knife and approached Bhuiyan who put down the knife he was holding and grabbed a baseball bat. A struggle ensued and Kelley stabbed Bhuiyan in the neck multiple times causing his death.

Kelley cleaned his hands before leaving the store, prosecutors said.

Additionally, while Kelley was in the 103rd Precinct at 168-02 91st Ave. on June 25, he punched one officer in the head and head-butted and punched another officer multiple times.

He is set to return to court on Sept. 24. If convicted, Kelley faces up to 25 years to life in prison.

"A seemingly minor disagreement led to a brutal and senseless stabbing inside a Jamaica deli where the victim lost his life. This type of violence has no place in our businesses and on our streets. We will hold the defendant responsible for his alleged actions," DA Katz said.