Brooklyn shopkeepers are on alert for the so-called “Crazy 8 Killer,” a serial killer who has a fixation with the number eight.
Right now, authorities want to talk to a man who does not resemble the original sketch, but who has been near two of the murder scenes.
The man is dubbed, “John Doe Duffel Bag,” and has been spotted on surveillance footage near the most recent killing. NBC New York also reported that the same guy “was also seen on video near the second shooting in August.”
Three Middle Eastern shopkeepers have been killed since July, shot with a .22 caliber pistol, and some stabbed. The number 8 connects the murders, as each of the victims’ shops had the number 8 in the address according to reports.
- On July 6, Mohammed Gebeli, 65, was shot in the neck and killed in his Bay Ridge store, Valentino Fashion Inc.
- On Aug. 2, Amazing 99 Cent Deals owner Isaac Kadare, 59, was shot in the head and stabbed in the neck inside his Bensonhurst shop.
- On Friday Rahmatolla Vahidipour, was found dead inside his Flatbush business, and is the latest victim of the crime spree.
The Brooklyn serial killer’s profile suggests that there is personal rage associated with the crimes, and shopkeepers are worried.
Flatbush shopkeeper Norman Mann, who is from Israel told the NY Daily News: “I hope he’s not targeting owners because they’re Jewish or from the Middle East because that’s becoming personal, that’s becoming hate.”
