It was a morning of tears for the loved ones of 48-year-old Daniel Enriquez, who was remembered at his funeral on Tuesday as someone who lived life to the fullest. His life cut short aboard a Q train more than a week ago.
“Our family is destroyed, our family is completely destroyed,” said his niece Michelle Enriquez. “We love Danny very much.”
The service was held at Transfiguration Roman Catholic Church in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, a borough Enriquez loved.
He worked as a researcher for Goldman Sachs and was making the trip into Manhattan Sunday, May 22 for brunch when he was shot and killed on the subway. His sister spoke to NY1 at his wake over the holiday weekend.
“My brother wasn’t afraid to live in NYC and this is how he died, so I believe in the city. I believe that there will be change because of him, but I don’t like that it was Daniel,” said Griselda Vile.
Police say 25-year-old Andrew Abdullah pulled the trigger. Investigators say they didn't know each other and didn't even exchange words before Abdullah opened fire.
“We are devastated how crime is getting out of control in NYC. We can’t even go into the subway feeling safe,” said Michelle Enriquez.
The NYPD says Enriquez’s death was the fourth murder in the transit system so far this year. Police say that’s the same number as this time last year, though it’s more than the year before. And back in 2019 just one person was killed on the subway in the first five months of that year.
Abdullah was indicted on charges of murder and criminal possession of a weapon. Police say Abdullah had eight prior arrests.
Family members of Enriquez say they want elected officials to keep violent criminals off the streets so that no other family has to endure their pain. Enriquez leaves behind his partner and four siblings.