The NYPD identified Roger Collado yesterday as the prime suspect in the fatal stabbing of Severiano “John” Reyes. The violent altercation occurred over a dispute involving photographs in a Brooklyn bodega.
Around 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Collado (38) reportedly photographed Reyes (36) at a bodega on Roebling St. near South Ninth St. in Williamsburg. Reyes was there with his cousin and others when a heated argument ensued between the two men. It escalated to a point where the assailant withdrew a knife and struck Reyes in the neck, as per police reports.
Two others were harmed while attempting to intervene in the deadly confrontation: a man aged 45 suffered neck and back injuries, while a 27-year-old woman, Reyes’s cousin, also sustained injuries. Reyes, a Bronx resident, and father of four, was rushed to Bellevue Hospital but later succumbed to his injuries.
According to Reyes ‘ family, the victim and the suspect share a history. Collado and Reyes were classmates in a special education class over twenty years ago. “This man approached my brother two weeks ago,” recounted the victim’s bereaved sister, Yvette Reyes, 30, in an interview with the Daily News. “He said, ‘You took something from me when we were kids.’ This is premeditated murder.”
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Reyes had a criminal record that included five arrests for theft and drugs. He had also served two brief prison sentences, with his most recent release on parole occurring in January 2019, as indicated by police and public records.
However, details about Collado’s past are less clear. While it is known that he has been apprehended at least once before, the police could not provide specifics about his criminal history yesterday. He is described as a Hispanic male, approximately 6 feet tall and weighing around 180 pounds.
The police have yet to arrest in this homicide case. They urge anyone with information to call 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or 1-888-57-PISTA (74782) for Spanish speakers. Tips can also be submitted online via crimestoppers.nypdonline.org or text 274637 (CRIMES), followed by TIP577. The NYPD assures that all communications will be kept strictly confidential.