Queens, New York — Denis Nunez, 34, was shot and killed early Saturday morning inside a crowded sports bar on Jamaica Avenue, leaving friends and neighbors in shock. Police and emergency responders were called to the El Catracho Sports Bar at 184-15 Jamaica Avenue in Hollis just before 1:50 a.m. after reports of an assault and gunfire inside the building. When officers arrived, they found Nunez suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to his stomach and left shoulder. He was rushed to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center but died a short time later despite efforts to save him.
Nunez lived in South Jamaica, not far from where the shooting took place, and was well known to people in the neighborhood for his warm personality and quick laugh. Friends described him as a devoted older brother and a reliable presence at the bar, where he often spent his Friday and Saturday nights watching games and chatting with regulars. The sudden violence in a place that served as a familiar hangout has left his circle reeling, struggling to make sense of how a routine night out ended in tragedy.
Law enforcement officials say they have no suspects in custody, and details about what led up to the shooting remain unclear. Detectives from the NYPD’s 103rd Precinct are canvassing the area for witnesses and reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses and the bar itself. Police have appealed to the public for any information that might help identify the shooter or clarify the events leading to Nunez’s death.
Family members, visibly shaken, released a brief statement saying they are “devastated beyond words” and asking the community to come forward with any details that could break the case. “Denis wasn’t just a victim of violence,” his sister said. “He was our heart, and we want answers.” The loss has stirred conversations among local residents about safety on Jamaica Avenue, a busy thoroughfare known for its nightlife and late-night crowds.
No motive has been disclosed and police have not confirmed whether the shooting was targeted or the result of an argument. Authorities say that the investigation is ongoing and that they are following several leads. Crime scene investigators combed through the bar for evidence, while uniformed officers maintained a visible presence in the block after daybreak to reassure residents and patrons returning to the area.
The bar where Nunez was killed has temporarily closed as police continue their work inside. Neighbors expressed a mix of sorrow and frustration, with some patrons saying they frequented the spot without ever expecting violence. “You don’t think about this happening in your backyard,” said one regular customer who asked not to be named. “It’s a wake-up call for all of us.”
Friends and community members plan to hold a vigil later this week in memory of Nunez. They hope that the gathering will honor his life and urge anyone with information to share it with authorities. As the investigation unfolds, the loss of a local man in such sudden, senseless violence hangs heavily over this corner of Queens.
