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QUEENS, NY – Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz has announced the arraignment of Osvel Diaz, who faces charges of attempted murder and assault following a brutal attack on a 62-year-old deli worker. The incident occurred at the Sunnyside Mini Mart in Woodside on the night of June 17.

Diaz, a 29-year-old resident of Forest Hills, is accused of savagely beating Abdul Alshawish until he lost consciousness, then continuing to kick him in the head while he lay motionless on the deli floor. The attack, captured on video surveillance, shows Diaz punching and kicking Alshawish in the face, body, and head, ultimately causing severe injuries, including a brain hemorrhage and multiple facial fractures.

Queens DA Katz emphasized the commitment to protecting local business workers from violence, stating, “Business owners and their workers should never have to fear that they will be the targets of violence. We will do everything we can to protect shopkeepers because when our local businesses thrive, our communities thrive.”

Diaz was arraigned on charges of second-degree attempted murder and first and second-degree assault. Judge Edward Daniels has remanded Diaz, with a court return date set for July 2. If convicted, Diaz faces up to 25 years in prison.

Additionally, Diaz faces separate charges related to vandalism incidents in January, where he was allegedly captured on video spraying graffiti on properties in Maspeth and Woodside. The outcome of these charges will also be addressed in upcoming court proceedings.

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