Retired Cop Indicted In Deli Slay

Retired New York City Police Department detective John Malik was indicted Monday on charges of reckless manslaughter in the second degree and criminally negligent homicide in the October 18 shooting of 18-year-old deli worker Manuel Chametla.
In the month since the shooting at an Astoria deli, demonstrators protested outside the District Attorneys office, calling for Maliks arrest.
"The indictment is just the first step in achieving justice for the Chametla family and our community," said Councilmember Hiram Monserrate, a retired police officer and a vocal leader of the protests. "There is still a long process ahead, which we will be watching very closely. We will not rest until Manuels killer has been convicted and there is justice for his family."
Monserrate is also co-chair of the Black, Latino and Asian Caucus, which, along with the Mexican Consul General and the New York Immigration Coalition, claimed that the police departments decision not to arrest Malik immediately following the incident was evidence of ethnic bias.
When questioned after the incident, Malik, who has more than 30 years experience in the handling of firearms, claimed that his gun a .380 semi-automatic Sig Sauer pistol accidentally discharged while he was reaching for his pager.
But according to up to 14 witnesses, Malik was prone to waving his gun in the air in a joking manner.
After meetings with Monserrate, Noe Chametla, Manuel Chametlas father, and Anthony Miranda (president of the NYPD Latino Officers Association), all of whom were skeptical that the handgun could have fired unintentionally, an investigation was opened. Conducted by the Police Department, it was determined that Maliks reckless handling of the weapon, which he knew was loaded, led to the death of the young man who had been working to support a family in Mexico City.
"This is a sad and tragic case," said Brown. "A hardworking young man in the prime of his life was mortally wounded as a result of the defendants allegedly reckless and criminally negligent conduct, for which he will now be held accountable."
Upon Maliks indictment, Noe Chametla said, "I thank the community for all their prayers and support. The news that there is an indictment for the killing of Manuel is a relief for my family and I. I hope that the trial process will shed light on what happened to my son and bring justice for his death."
Having pled not guilty, Malik was released on $25,000 bail.
A return date of January 12 was set. If convicted, Malik faces up to 15 years in prison.
toni@queenscourier.com