MAN ACCUSED OF KILLING LINDENHURST VAPE SHOP OWNER INDICTED

(SUFFOLK COUNTY, N.Y.) – Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced the indictment of Yoel Atzmon, the 44-year-old man accused of beating a Lindenhurst smoke shop owner to death in his store in May 2021.

“It is alleged that this defendant is responsible for the brutal beating of an innocent business owner found dead in his own shop,” said Tierney. “We will seek justice on behalf of the victim and his family, and make sure that this defendant is held responsible for this callous and brazen act.”

Atzmon is charged with the following:

• One count of Murder in the First Degree;
• One count of Murder in the Second Degree – Intentional;
• One count of Murder in the Second Degree – Felony Murder;
• One count of Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree;
• One count of False Personation; and  
• One count of Possession of Burglar’s Tools.

It is alleged that on May 19, 2021, Atzmon entered the “Dapper Smoke Shop” near closing time and brutally bludgeoned 33-year-old Kinshuk Patel to death with a blunt object. One of the front display counters was smashed and dragged to the rear of the store. Mr. Patel’s body was recovered inside that broken display counter.  

After a year-long investigation, the defendant was apprehended during the commission of another crime. On June 15, 2022, Atzmon was arrested after throwing rocks through four windows of a closed deli. He was arrested attempting to flee. At the time of his apprehension, the defendant possessed a machete, had a hammer and rocks in his pocket, and was wearing a black ski mask. The defendant also provided a false name to police officers.

At his arraignment on the indictment today, Judge Richard I. Horowitz ordered Atzmon held without bail.   He is being represented by Christopher Gioe, Esq. His next court date is August 10, 2022.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Elena Tomaro of the Homicide Bureau.

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Criminal complaints and indictments are merely accusatory instruments.

Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. No one is above the law.

William J. Lindsay County Complex • Building 77 • 725 Veterans Memorial Highway, Hauppauge, NY 11788

(631) 853-4169 | SuffolkCountyNY.gov/DA