Suspect in 2006 Bronx Boxer Killing Arrested in Kosovo, Charged with Murder in NYC
Cold Case Cracked: Suspect Arrested in 2006 Murder of Promising Boxer
Bronx, NY – After nearly 18 years on the run, the man accused of fatally striking rising boxing star Kemal Kolenovic with an SUV in 2006 has been apprehended in Kosovo. Ahmed Gashi was extradited to New York City Friday morning and charged with murder.
gashi’s arrest comes after the Bronx District Attorney’s office issued an international “red notice” warrant,leading U.S. Marshals to collaborate with Kosovo law enforcement. The hulking suspect, sporting a shaved head, remained silent as police escorted him from the 50th Precinct stationhouse in the Bronx.
The tragic incident unfolded outside the now-closed Moonlight Bar on Belmont Avenue in the early hours of December 31, 2006. Kolenovic, a promising welterweight boxer with a record of 10 wins, was attempting to de-escalate a heated argument between several men when he was struck by a dark-colored SUV.
“My nephew wanted to buy them a drink to keep them from fighting,” Tony Mujovit, Kolenovic’s uncle, told the Daily News at the time. “He was never part of the fight. He got killed for nothing.”
Kolenovic, who emigrated from Montenegro but was of Albanian heritage, had been enjoying drinks and Albanian music with his uncle at the bar when the altercation erupted. As tensions rose, Kolenovic stepped in to try and calm the situation.
The suspect, described by police as a young man with a shaved head, left the scene after the fight spilled outside. He returned moments later behind the wheel of the SUV, fatally striking Kolenovic as he stood on the sidewalk.
Kolenovic was rushed to St. Barnabas Hospital but succumbed to his injuries. His death sent shockwaves through the boxing community.
“He was one of the toughest kids I ever trained,” Kolenovic’s trainer, raymond Paolillo, said. “He would never back down.”
Kolenovic had recently won a first-round knockout against Ronnie Glover at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy just two weeks before his untimely death.
NewsDirectory3 Exclusive Interview: “Justice Delayed, But Not Denied”
NewsDirectory3: Joining us today is Detective Anthony Russo, the lead investigator on the Kemal Kolenovic case. Detective Russo, thank you for taking the time amidst this incredible break in the case. Can you shed some light on the factors that ultimately led to Ahmed Gashi’s arrest?
Detective russo: The tireless work of the Bronx District Attorney’s office and the unwavering support of Kolenovic’s family were key. The international “red notice” warrant proved crucial in bringing Gashi back to face justice. Collaboration with Kosovo authorities was essential to locate and apprehend him.
NewsDirectory3: After 18 years, what can you tell us about the complexity of keeping this case alive?
Detective russo: It’s never easy keeping a case open for this long. Leads can go cold, memories fade. Though, Kolenovic’s case stayed with us due to its tragic nature and the immense support from the community.
NewsDirectory3: Gashi remained silent upon his arrival. What message do you hope to send to him now that he is in custody?
Detective Russo: We hope this arrest brings a measure of closure to the Kolenovic family. Kemal paid the ultimate price for trying to diffuse a perilous situation. Justice delayed is not justice denied, and we will work diligently to ensure Gashi is held accountable for his deeds.
NewsDirectory3: This case has garnered significant attention. What message would you like to send to the public regarding unsolved cases?
Detective Russo: Never lose hope. Every case matters. Advancements in technology and unrelenting detective work continually provide us with new avenues to solve even the coldest cases. We remain committed to bringing justice to victims and thier families, no matter how long it takes.