Fifth Avenue shopkeeper’s murderer still sought

The family of shop owner Mohamed Gebeli, who was murdered in his store, Valentino’s Fashion, early last month, came out to the location where he was found for the first time since the slaying, at a press conference held on July 27.

State Senator Marty Golden; Habib Joudeh, owner of Pharmacy on Fifth; and Gebeli’s wife, daughters, and mother-in law pleaded for the public’s help in finding any information that could lead to the conviction and arrest of the murderer.

“It’s important that we come together as a family today…to get the individual responsible for this crime,” Golden said. “We need to get this killer off of the street.”

Gebeli was found by his son inside his shop at 11:13 p.m. on July 6, after he didn’t come home from work at his usual time. The 65-year-old had suffered a gunshot wound to the neck.

“This incident destroyed a family and shocked the business community. My thoughts and prayers continue to go out to the family,” Golden said, as Gebeli’s wife and daughters wiped away tears. “He was a father, husband and neighbor, and his life was cut short. It is important that we seek justice so that he did not die in vain.”

Golden and Joudeh teamed up to offer a $10,000 reward for any information that will lead to an arrest. According to Golden, the police department has no information of value that can be used.

“I believe that someone that night saw something and no matter how small or trivial it may seem, it can help,” Golden said.

Joudeh said that Gebeli was a friend of his. “The words withstand my tongue, I cannot say anymore,” he said.

Anyone with any information that can lead to the arrest and conviction of Gebeli’s murderer is urged to call the 68^th Precinct at 718-439-4211 or Golden’s office at 718-238-6044.