Reward Leading To Conviction Of Shopkeeper Serial Killer Increased To $40K

Senator Martin Golden and Councilman David Greenfield increased the reward leading to the arrest and conviction of the man wanted for the three shopkeeper murders. It’s now $40,000.

The more recent of the three shootings occurred last Friday. Rahmatolla Vahidipour, a Jewish 78-year-old grandfather of nine was murdered inside of his Flatbush Avenue store, She She Boutique.

“Our police department and community will not rest until this killer is brought to justice. We won’t allow an individual to terrorize our neighborhoods and leave business owners fearing for their lives. Someone out there has information about these cold-blooded crimes, and hopefully this reward money will motivate them to do the right thing. Anybody who noticed unusual or suspicious activity in the vicinity of any of these three shootings is urged to immediately contact the police,” said Greenfield in a press release.

Local politicians including Greenfield, Councilman Vincent Gentile and Councilman Mathieu Eugene held a meeting with the NYPD to discuss progress and strategy to capture the killer.

“I remain deeply troubled by these senseless acts of violence,” wrote Gentile in a statement. “We as residents must always remain vigilant but as the representative for Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Bath Beach and Bensonhurst, I refuse to let my neighborhoods live in fear.”

Surveillance footage from a store near the scene has narrowed the police investigation to a person of interest they’re calling “Jon Doe Duffel Bag.”

As a means of precaution, store clerks are asked to avoid being alone in the shop after dark if possible. Instead, use a buddy system. Also, a video surveillance system might be a good idea since the killer has only targeted stores without surveillance.

Anyone with information is urged to immediately contact the NYPD at (800) 577-TIPS. Callers may remain anonymous.