The homicide investigation of 75-year-old Albert Itzkowitz centers on the discovery of his body along the Kissena Lake shoreline on Monday evening. Initial responding units found him suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, prompting immediate emergency medical response and a wide-scale patrol of the surrounding area. Upon reviewing ballistic evidence and conducting preliminary scene analysis, NYPD homicide detectives formally classified the death as a homicide on Thursday. The investigation remains in its early stages, with authorities focusing on canvassing nearby residential and commercial properties, reviewing available surveillance footage, and interviewing potential witnesses to establish a definitive timeline of events.
Itzkowitz held a notable place in Queens’ local retail history as the owner of G&I Bakery, a kosher establishment situated on Main Street that previously served the borough’s extensive Jewish community. The bakery has since ceased operations, and the victim is currently navigating profound personal loss, as his wife passed away just three weeks ago. The combination of professional transition and recent bereavement underscores the difficult circumstances surrounding his final days, though investigators have made no public connection between his personal hardships and the criminal act.
In the wake of the incident, municipal and community figures have mobilized to address the broader implications for public safety. City Council Member James Gennaro publicly expressed his condolences and emphasized the necessity of secure recreational spaces in New York City. According to Gennaro communications with the NYPD indicate that the department has assigned dedicated homicide units to the case, with leadership prioritizing rapid apprehension of the suspect or suspects. The NYPD’s emphasis on resource allocation aligns with standard protocols for high-profile homicide inquiries, ensuring all forensic and intelligence avenues are thoroughly explored.
As the investigation progresses, the NYPD and Crime Stoppers are actively seeking public assistance. A reward of up to $3,500 has been authorized for any information leading to an arrest or case resolution. Officials stress that even seemingly minor observations in and around Kissena Park during late afternoon and early Monday evening could be pivotal. The department continues to operate on a strict victim privacy protocol, withholding public details of the cause of death pending formal autopsy results while methodically pursuing all viable investigative threads.