In a shocking display of violence, a Forest Hills resident has been handed a severe prison sentence for an unprovoked attack on an elderly bodega worker. The incident, which occurred in June 2026, left the victim with life-altering injuries and sent shockwaves through the community.
The defendant, Osvel Diaz, 31, of 62nd Drive, pleaded guilty to a series of serious charges, including attempted murder in the second degree and two counts of assault in the first degree. His actions on that fateful night in June 2026 have left an indelible mark on the victim and the community at large.
The Unprovoked Attack at Sunnyside Mini Market
At approximately 11:17 p.m. on June 17, 2026, Diaz entered the Sunnyside Mini Market at 63-20 Broadway in Woodside. The altercation began when Diaz bumped into Abdul Alshawish, a 62-year-old deli worker standing in front of the counter. What followed was a vicious and relentless assault that left Alshawish fighting for his life.
Diaz flew into a rage, punching Alshawish repeatedly in the head. He then threw the elderly worker to the floor, continuing to punch and kick him in the head, face, and body. The assault was so severe that Alshawish was knocked unconscious. Despite attempts by a bystander to intervene, Diaz briefly left the store only to return moments later to deliver several more kicks to the victim’s head, face, and body.
The Aftermath of the Violent Assault
The assault was captured on video surveillance, showing the back of Alshawish’s head smashing into a metal counter with each sickening blow. Police from the 108th Precinct responded to a 911 call and found Alshawish unconscious and unresponsive. He was rushed to Elmhurst Hospital, where he was listed in critical condition.
Alshawish suffered a brain hemorrhage, facial fractures, a mid-face separation, broken teeth, and a fractured eye socket, nose, and sinuses. He underwent multiple surgeries and was diagnosed with a moderate traumatic brain injury and cognitive impairments. The physical and emotional toll on the victim and his family has been immense.
The Capture and Sentencing of Osvel Diaz
Detectives and the NYPD Warrants Squad tracked down Diaz at his home on June 26, 2026. However, he did not surrender peacefully. A brief standoff ensued, during which a three-week-old baby was present in the house. Fortunately, the infant was not injured during the takedown.
On July 16, Queens Supreme Court Justice John Zoll sentenced Diaz to 19 years in prison and five years of post-release supervision. Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz emphasized the severity of the crime, stating, “A 62-year-old man, who was simply working in a Woodside bodega, was relentlessly pummeled by this defendant in an unprovoked attack. Osvel Diaz nearly killed Abdul Alshawish and left the employee with lifelong injuries.”
Katz also expressed gratitude to her prosecutors for securing the lengthy sentence and wished Alshawish the best as he continues to recover from the senseless assault. The sentence handed down to Diaz serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of violent actions and the importance of community safety.
