Press Release

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that Steven Cohen has been sentenced to 22 years in prison for the shooting death of a 26-year-old deli worker after a brief verbal altercation.

District Attorney Katz said: “The callous actions of this defendant cost the life of an innocent man who was simply doing his job. I hope the victim’s family will find a measure of closure in knowing the defendant will serve a long prison sentence.”

Cohen, 66, who has no known address, pleaded guilty on March 30 to manslaughter in the first degree. Queens Supreme Court Justice Ira Margulis yesterday sentenced Cohen to 22 years in prison to be followed by 5 years post release supervision.

According to the charges, on October 26, 2020, at approximately 6:15 p.m., Cohen argued with worker Tarwala Mahmadkhurshid inside the Cross Bay Express Deli at 137-02 Cross Bay Boulevard in Ozone Park. Cohen was ordered out of the store but returned a short time later with a Colt revolver.

Cohen pointed the gun at Mahmadkhurshid and fired multiple times. The victim was struck in the abdomen by a single bullet. Cohen then fired the weapon again, aiming for another deli employee, but he missed his intended target.

An off-duty police officer who was inside the store jumped into action and disarmed Cohen and held him until other officers arrived on the scene.

Mr. Mahmadkhurshid was immediately transported to a local Queens hospital and later died from his injuries.

Assistant District Attorney Kenneth Zawistowski of the District Attorneys Homicide Bureau prosecuted the case under the supervision of Assistant District Attorneys Peter J. McCormack III, and John W. Kosinski, Senior Deputy Bureau Chiefs, and under the overall supervision of Executive Assistant District Attorney for Major Crimes Shawn Clark.