By Howard Koplowitz and Ivan Pereira
Friends and family of a South Ozone Park man who was shot in Jamaica Sunday morning were trying to figure out who and why someone would take his life.
Ravinbranauth Dandhu, 35, of 88-15 107th Ave., was found bleeding from a gunshot wound to his head inside his car, which was parked at the corner of 112th Avenue and Dillon Street, shortly after 7:30 a.m., police said. He was rushed to Mary Immaculate Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival, according to police.
A police source said Dandhu's car was running and nearby residents said they did not hear any noise until the police arrived.
“This is a real quiet area. I'm really surprised that something like this could happen in this area,” said Samantha Wade, 36, who was inside her house close to where the car was parked.
The medical examiner's office said Dandhu's death was caused by a gunshot, but it was still investigating.
Police said an unidentified woman was asleep in the backseat and awoke to find her friend shot and her pocketbook stolen. Although she was questioned by officers, the woman was not arrested or named a suspect, according to police.
Investigators would not say whether or not the gunshot came from outside the vehicle. The investigation was ongoing.
Relatives of the victim refused to talk to the press about the murder, but his neighbors said they were shocked. They described Dandhu as a hardworking and quiet man who was friendly.
“He would sweep the street by his home and always power washed his car or sat outside with his parrot,” said one neighbor, who did not want to be identified. “He always said 'hello.' “
The New York Post reported that Dandhu was driving back from a party early Sunday morning with the woman, but those who knew him said that did not make sense because he was not a party-going person.
“He's not that type of person. He's not the kind you'd think that would happen to,” the neighbor said.
Anyone with information is urged to call Crimestoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). All calls will be kept confidential.
Reach reporter Ivan Pereira and Howard Koplowitz by e-mail at news@timesledger.com or by phone at 718-229-0300.
