Father of Three Fatally Stabbed Outside Brooklyn Deli After Argument Escalates
A father of three, Najee Berry, was fatally stabbed outside a Brooklyn deli following a confrontation with his killer, who threw coffee in Berry’s face before the attack. The incident occurred near a bodega on Sutter Avenue and Junius Street early in the morning, and surveillance footage captured the harrowing events leading up to the slaying.
The suspect, still at large, followed Berry into the deli shortly before 6:30 a.m. Surveillance footage shows the assailant glaring at Berry as he made a purchase. The attacker, wearing a mask, bought a cup of coffee and followed Berry outside, initiating an argument.
Outside, the altercation escalated as the suspect hurled coffee at Berry’s face, holding a knife in his other hand. The two men exchanged blows, moving out of camera range, but moments later, Berry was seen staggering back toward the deli, bloodied. A passerby discovered him on the sidewalk.
Berry was rushed to Brookdale University Hospital but succumbed to his injuries. Police are actively searching for the attacker.
The victim’s mother, Claudina Berry, expressed her heartbreak over the loss, describing her son as a peaceful individual. “He never started problems. He didn’t deserve to die like this,” she said.
Najee Berry had moved with his mother to Crown Heights years ago but often visited Brownsville, where he grew up. Friends and family gathered last Tuesday night for a memorial at Sutter Avenue and Mother Gaston Boulevard, near Berry’s childhood neighborhood and close to where the attack occurred.
The vigil drew a large crowd, prompting police to disperse attendees after several hours. “So many people came to show their love and support,” said Berry’s mother. “People were crying and interacting with each other, just showing up.”
Berry worked as a customer service representative and was devoted to his three children—a 7-year-old son and daughters aged 11 and 3. “He loved his kids. He was always with them,” his mother said. “They’re not doing well. Not doing well at all.”
Authorities continue to investigate the case and urge anyone with information to come forward.
