Pix of accomplice in Samaritan’s slay released
Cops on Friday released surveillance images of an accomplice tied to the Brooklyn murder of a good Samaritan who was trying to defend a robbery victim.
Police said the man, spotted on surveillance camera wearing a grey hoodie with a smiley face on the front and a large X emblazoned on the back, took part in the Feb. 26 brawl that left Yong Zheng stabbed to death with a screwdriver.
Zheng, 46, was returning from dinner with friends in Sunset Park when they saw two groups of men fighting near Seventh Ave. and 57th St. and intervened, officials said.
At least three suspects had robbed a handful of people at an illegal gambling den on 58th St. The victims chased the robbers, sparking the bloody brawl, officials said.
Three other people were stabbed in the caught-oncamera attack.
Cops on Sunday arrested William Smith, 45, of Brownsville, and charged him with murder, robbery and assault. Detectives tracked him down after a witness took a picture of his license plate and gave it to police, sources said.
Smith was convicted of manslaughter in 1996 for fatally shooting 17-year-old Lateek Escort on Bushwick Ave. three years earlier, according to court papers obtained by the Daily News.
“I want them all arrested, I want them to be executed,” Zheng’s wife Jin Zhao, 39, said of the attackers Sunday as her 4-year-old son wiped tears from her face. “Every time I look at my son, I think about the fact that he has no father.”
Mourners on Wednesday descended on the intersection where Zheng collapsed, filling the avenue with candles and white flowers.
Crying family members kneeled beside a barricade that closed off traffic and held pictures of a smiling man they called a father, son and hero.
Zheng worked as a bus driver before the COVID pandemic and was the sole provider for his wife and two children. He recently moved his family to Philadelphia because he feared they would contract coronavirus in New York.
“He’s a Chinese hero,” said Jessica Gao, 38, a restaurant worker who didn’t know Zheng, but joined the crowd to pay her respects.
“He tried to help the Chinese people, and the other people killed him. Now the community is not safe at all. Our kids grow up here. It’s not safe for our kids.”
ARIES MARCH 2 1 -APRIL 1 9
Your inner pioneer has been activated, and you want to do something that makes a difference in the world. Gather a group of like-minded people to brainstorm ideas and solutions for a cause that is important to you. Remember, taking action, no matter how small, is what matters most.
TAURUS APRIL 2 0 -MAY 2 0
You may be resenting the harshness of the world around you. However, don’t give up.
You are powerful and known for your ability to create a future that is built on strong values and honoring differences. When you witness injustice, speak up — your voice gives permission for others to do the same.
GEMINI MAY 2 1 -JUNE 2 0
Your skills in connecting and communicating give you the ability to relate to people from all walks of life. However, this puts you at risk of discussing topics that are uncomfortable and prone to bias. If this happens today, don’t hesitate to establish boundaries and exit the conversation.
CANCER JUNE 2 1 -JULY 2 2
Your work environment has been feeling more “every person for themselves” rather than collaborative lately. Work suffers when the team isn’t coming together. Today, take the initiative to get everyone back on the same page. It’s likely there are others that feel the same way.
LEO JULY 2 3 -AUG. 2 2
All work and no play can make things quite dull, and you are ready to do something spontaneous to switch it up. Tune in to your inner child today by doing something that feels like play. Go for a walk, explore places in your neighborhood, try a new game or watch a funny movie.
VIRGO AUG. 2 3 -SEPT. 2 2
Spending time with loved ones can be good for your soul today. It’s good to let the people who care about you fill you up with positivity. Take a look at your to-do list; where can you enlist the help of a friend or family member to make a few tasks more fun? It’s possible to bring joy into the smallest moments of your life.
LIBRA SEPT. 2 3 -OCT. 2 2
You love your friends so much and cherish your one-on-one time with them, but of course life and daily responsibilities can get in the way of quality time. Today is a great day to call a good friend. Although you may be tempted to talk about deeper topics, keeping things light will let your heart be light.
SCORPIO OCT 2 3 -NOV. 2 1
With the world in such uncertain times, things like your accomplishments, family, health and bank account may all have been taking up space in your mind. If you find that you’ve been putting too much of yourself into things that don’t hold as much value, set an intention to change that today.
SAGITTARIUS NOV. 2 2 -DEC. 2 1
The way you think about things is a little different than everyone else. If you’ve been considering sharing your thoughts on social media, this is a great day to do so. Don’t take offense if you receive some pushback. Honor different beliefs by welcoming respectful debate.
CAPRICORN DEC. 2 2 -JAN. 1 9
You tend to support rules and structures because they make things run more smoothly, but lately, you may have been wondering if the rules are actually fair to everyone. While you value organization and strong leadership, you also aren’t afraid to tear it all down and rebuild the system.
AQUARIUS JAN. 2 0 -FEB. 1 8
You see a lot that could be changed or improved, and you’re eager to do your part in making the world a better place. If you haven’t already, this is a great day to join a cause you feel passionate about. If the group you are looking for doesn’t exist yet, start it.
PISCES FEB. 1 9 -MARCH 2 0
Whether you’re working today or taking care of other important responsibilities, everyone you interact with is in a pretty good mood and eager to talk and share. Choose who you decide to engage with carefully, especially if the conversation turns into gossip. Utilize your boundaries to keep you focused and preserve peace.