Velazquez Urges Queens District Attorney to Investigate Murder

Velázquez Urges Queens District Attorney to Investigate Murder
18-year-old Queens resident shot to death; murderer not arrested

NEW YORK - Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-N.Y.) today called on Queens District Attorney Richard A. Brown to lead a full investigation into the Oct. 9, 2004 murder of local resident, Manuel Chametla, 18. Provided below is a copy of the letter written by Congresswoman Velázquez to District Attorney Brown on the matter.

October 29, 2004

Office of District Attorney Richard A. Brown
125-01 Queens Boulevard
Kew Gardens, NY 11415

Dear Mr. Brown,

In light of the tragic events surrounding the murder of Manuel Chametla on October 9, 2004, I urge the office of the Queens District Attorney to conduct a thorough and expeditious investigation into this matter.

The circumstances leading to Manuel's death are disturbing. The man who fired the murder weapon, John Malik, was never arrested, despite the fact he admits to drawing his gun in public without purpose. He was not attempting to prevent a crime or defend himself.

This killing occurred nine days ago, and while the Queens District Attorney's office awaits the outcome of its investigation, the Chametla family needs to know how and why an unarmed 18-year-old boy can be killed at his place of work and the murderer remains uncharged.

I call upon District Attorney Brown to give the utmost attention to this matter, so that all concerned - including Mr. Chametla's family, friends, and community - can better understand the events that led to this devastating loss of life.

Sincerely,

Nydia M. Velázquez
Member of Congress