New York Gambling Joint Robbery Victim Dies from Gunshots

Posted on: December 31, 2024, 05:35h. 

Last updated on: December 31, 2024, 05:35h.

A man who was shot in the head during a failed holdup of a Queens, New York alleged gaming room has died, police revealed on Monday.

Yun Li, 37, who lived in the Flushing section of Queens, passed away on December 23, authorities said. He had been rushed to New York-Presbyterian Queens Hospital following the December 19 shooting which took place in the basement of a Haight Street building, police added.

Doctors Attempted to Save Victim

Physicians performed emergency surgery on Li and he was listed in critical condition. But four days later, he died. Li’s death was called a homicide and the suspects could be charged with murder.

A second man also was shot during the failed robbery in the gaming room. That 42-year-old victim was wounded in the cheek. He also was transported to New York-Presbyterian Queens Hospital. He received treatment and later was released, according to the New York Daily News. He wasn’t identified in news reports.

As of Tuesday, New York City Police Department (NYPD) officers continue to search for three suspects wanted in connection with the botched robbery.

The men were seen entering a white SUV near the crime scene. A woman also was seen in the vehicle, according to news accounts.

The vehicle sped away following the gunfire. The SUV may have had damage in the front end, police said.

No word if police have possible identities on the suspects. Officers were believed to have checked surveillance video near the crime scene in an effort to trace the suspects.

Illegal Gambling in Neighborhood

Residents who live near the crime scene said there are some underground gambling rooms in the neighborhood.

Rarely, does violence break out in the gambling dens. But when it does, residents, workers, and even business owners become frightened, the Daily News reported.

“I think this happens a lot. It’s just only this time people were shot,” a cabinet maker told the Daily News. “This place is crazy right now.”

When I saw [the cops] locking down the street, I just told my co-worker this morning, ‘I’m planning to move out,’” the cabinet maker added in an interview hours after the violent holdup.

Nationwide, police warn that illegal gambling can lead to violent crime.