Slain bodega worker's family wants investigation

NEW YORK (WABC) -- The family of the bodega worker killed by a police bullet wants a grand jury to investigate his death.

Reynaldo Cuevas' mother collapsed at a news conference Sunday after meeting with Bronx District Attorney Robert Johnson, who only promised an independent investigation by his office, as is standard after police-involved shootings.

Meanwhile, neighbors and friends continued to add to a growing memorial outside the bodega at Franklin Avenue and East 169th Street in the Morrisania section of the Bronx.

Paramedics had to take Anna Cuevas to the hospital, where she was treated and released. Robbers held her son and a co-worker hostage at the Natalie Grocery bodega on Friday morning.

Police contend Reynaldo was accidentally shot by a uniformed officer after he ran into him and they became tangled.

After seeing surveillance video, family members called that into question.

"He did not run into the police officer as Commissioner Ray Kelly says," said Fernando Mateo, spokesperson for the Bodega Owners Association. "He's 160 pounds. He didn't have anything in his hands."

Reynaldo's uncle owns the bodega and says his nephew worked seven days a week to send money back to the Dominican Republic for his 3-month-old daughter. He planned to leave the bodega for the US Army.

Sadly, the last day of work turned out to be the last night of his life.

No charges were filed against the officer.

The three suspected robbers are charged with felony murder and other crimes.

Sources say it was the first time the seven-year NYPD veteran fired his weapon while on duty.

---
Get Eyewitness News Delivered

Facebook | Twitter | Newsletters | Text Alerts

Get more New York News »

new york city, police shooting, bronx, new york news, carolina leid

• Comment Now
• Email
• Print
• Report a typo
•