July 2, 1999

FLUSHING MAN INDICTED FOR MURDER OF OFF DUTY POLICE OFFICER 12 YEARS AGO. ALSO FACES FELONY DRUG CHARGES

Queens District Attorney Richard A. Brown announced today the indictment of a 33 year old Flushing man on charges of murdering an off-duty police officer outside the officer's Flushing home 12 years ago.

District Attorney Brown identified the defendant as Henry Vega, 33, of 43-76 163rd Street, Flushing. He is charged with murder in the second degree, attempted robbery and criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree. He faces a maximum of 25 years to life in prison upon conviction.

According to the charges, on July 11, 1987, the defendant was attempting to steal the radio from a Mercedes parked in front of Police Officer George Scheu's home when he was confronted by Officer Scheu. The defendant then allegedly turned and shot Officer Scheu with a 38 caliber pen gun. Officer Scheu died without regaining consciousness five days later.

The investigation leading to the arrest was conducted by Detectives Louis Lilla and Steven Brown of the 109th Precinct Detective Squad. The defendant was arrested on May 6, 1999. He is being held without bail awaiting trial.

Assistant District Attorneys Daniel A. Saunders, head of the District Attorney's Homicide Trials Bureau, and Donna Golia are in charge of the case under the overall supervision of Executive Assistant District Attorney Gregory L. Lasak.

It should be noted that an indictment is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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