Queens Deli Worker Shot and Killed During Robbery Attempt: NYPD

What to Know

  • Mamadou Diallo was shot Saturday morning during a robbery attempt at the Jamaica deli he worked at
  • He was found with a gunshot wound in his head by two patrons who walked up to the deli window
  • Friends and neighbors say Diallo was a "nice guy" with a "beautiful personality"

A Queens deli worker was shot and killed inside his store during a robbery attempt Saturday morning, authorities said.

Mamadou Nassirou Diallo was shot at about 4:30 a.m. at the Sunshine deli where he worked near 170th Street and Merrick Boulevard in Jamaica, police said. 

Authorities say two armed men came in through the back of the store at around 4:30 a.m. and stole money from the register before shooting Diallo.

About two hours later, two customers approached the deli's street-side partition window and called police when they saw Diallo, 46, lying on the floor with a gunshot wound to the head. 

Friends laid flowers in front of Sunshine Deli to pay their respects. Neighborhood residents describe Diallo as a good man.

"He was so humble and so down to Earth, this here has the whole neighborhood vibe and energy thrown off," said Eric Rodriguez, a Jamaica resident.

Diallo's brother tearfully said that Diallo came to the states from Guinea 20 years ago in search of a better life.

Paramedics declared him dead at the scene, police said.

There are no arrests and the investigation is ongoing.  

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