Queens, New York — Early on a chilly Saturday morning, gunshots rang out inside the El Catracho Sports Bar on Jamaica Avenue, and by the time police arrived, 34-year-old Denis Nunez was already gravely wounded. Nunez was found with serious injuries to his stomach and left shoulder just after 1:45 a.m., according to law enforcement. He was taken to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, where he succumbed to his wounds, leaving a neighborhood stunned and grieving.
The scene inside the bar was chaotic when officers entered, with patrons frozen in shock and confusion. Neighbors later described hearing raised voices and sudden commotion before the gunfire. Friends of Nunez, who had stopped by the bar on what was meant to be a casual night out, recalled him as friendly and dependable, a man always ready with a greeting or a story about his family. His presence lit up gatherings, and his loss now leaves a hole in the social fabric of his community.
Police confirmed that they have not made any arrests in connection with the shooting and have released no information about a suspect or a possible motive. Investigators from the NYPD’s 103rd Precinct are speaking with witnesses and collecting video evidence from around the bar and nearby street corners in hopes of piecing together what happened. Authorities describe the investigation as active and ongoing, emphasizing that even small details from passersby could prove crucial.
Community members reacted to the news with sorrow and a growing concern for public safety. The bar where Nunez was killed served as a gathering place for many local residents, especially on weekend nights when crowds spilled onto the sidewalks. The sudden act of violence in a familiar spot where people once felt comfortable has sparked new conversations about the risks that linger in busy urban nightlife districts.
Nunez’s family issued a heartfelt response, speaking of his kindness and the profound emptiness his absence has left. “He was a brother, a friend, a son,” a family member said. “His life mattered to us, and we want the truth about what happened here.” Their appeal for justice resonates through the neighborhood as residents try to come to terms with the event.
Police have emphasized that they are following all leads and encouraging anyone with information to reach out, even if they think what they know is minor. Every piece of video footage, every eyewitness account, could make a difference, investigators say. But as hours pass with no arrests, uncertainty continues to linger.
The bar remained closed in the aftermath as detectives continued their work inside, combing for clues and evidence that might point to a suspect. Some patrons said they plan to return, but that the atmosphere will forever feel different. “You walk in now, and you think about what happened,” one local said. “Fun nights are going to be mixed with that memory now.”
Plans for a community vigil in Nunez’s honor are taking shape, intended to give friends and family a space to mourn together. In the midst of grief, people are seeking solace in shared remembrance, hoping that unity and cooperation with law enforcement will help bring clarity and closure to a night that ended far too tragically.
