We All Matter News 
Community Mourns Queens Bakery Owner as Police Investigate Fatal Shooting
New York City authorities have declared the death of 75-year-old Albert Itzkowitz, a longtime Queens bakery owner, a homicide after he was discovered with multiple gunshot wounds near the shoreline of Kissena Lake on Monday evening.
Police say Itzkowitz’s body was found just before 5 p.m. along the edge of Kissena Park. By Thursday, the New York Police Department confirmed that the killing is being treated as a homicide. As of now, no arrests have been made, and investigators have not publicly identified any suspects. Officials have also not determined how long Itzkowitz had been at the lakeside before he was found.
The killing has shaken the surrounding community, where Itzkowitz was known as the former owner of G&I Bakery on Main Street, a kosher establishment that served local families for years before closing. Neighbors remember him as a familiar face in Queens’ close-knit Jewish community — a small business owner whose livelihood depended on the support and trust of those around him.
Tragically, this loss comes only weeks after the reported death of Itzkowitz’s wife. No public cause of death has been disclosed in her case. For friends, customers, and residents who knew the couple, the back-to-back losses have compounded the grief.
A Community Demands Safety and Justice
City Council Member James Gennaro expressed outrage and sorrow over the violence, calling the killing “an intolerable tragedy.” He emphasized that public parks and neighborhood spaces should be places of peace — not scenes of bloodshed.
“No one should fear for their safety while enjoying our parks or walking in our neighborhoods,” Gennaro said, adding that he has been in direct contact with police leadership and has been assured that significant resources are being dedicated to solving the case.
The homicide comes at a time when concerns about public safety, hate-fueled violence, and gun crime continue to weigh on many New Yorkers. While investigators have not indicated a motive, the broader climate of rising antisemitic incidents across the city has left many in Jewish communities feeling vulnerable and demanding accountability from civic leaders.
For progressive advocates, this moment underscores the urgent need for comprehensive approaches to public safety — strategies rooted not only in enforcement, but also in prevention, anti-violence initiatives, and genuine community investment. Safe neighborhoods require more than reactionary measures; they demand long-term commitments to addressing the root causes of violence while ensuring that justice is delivered swiftly and fairly.
Ongoing Investigation
The NYPD has not yet released detailed information about possible suspects or motives. Authorities are urging anyone with knowledge related to the shooting to come forward. Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $3,500 for information that could lead to an arrest and prosecution.
- Albert Itzkowitz, 75, was found with multiple gunshot wounds near Kissena Lake on Monday.
- His death has been officially ruled a homicide.
- No arrests have been made as the investigation continues.
- A reward is being offered for information that helps solve the case.
As loved ones mourn and neighbors grapple with fear and grief, the call for justice is clear. Every worker, every senior, every small business owner deserves to live without the threat of gun violence. Parks should be community sanctuaries, not crime scenes. Residents are now looking to law enforcement and local leaders to ensure that accountability follows swiftly — and that meaningful steps are taken to protect the safety and dignity of all New Yorkers.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact authorities to help bring closure to a grieving community and ensure that those responsible are held accountable under the law.
