By Howard Koplowitz
A Woodhaven teen was murdered last week by a unknown killer who shot him in the head around the corner from his 106th Street home, police said.
Nicholas Cordova, 17, was gunned down at around 7 p.m. Sept. 14 in front of 84-27 85th Ave., police said Saturday.
Police found Nicholas lying on the ground with a gunshot wound to his head, police said. He was transported to Jamaica Hospital, where he died, police said.
Nobody has been arrested in Nicholas’ murder as of Monday, according to police.
The teen’s family was not home when a reporter showed up to his 106th Street home Saturday.
Vanessa Burdier, 20, a neighbor of Nicholas, said she ran out of her home to the murder scene after somebody started frantically ringing doorbells on the block.
“He was still alive when I saw him,” she said. “As soon as I saw him, I knew he was Nicholas.”
She said the 17-year-old was not the partying type, never looked for trouble and loved to ride his bike in the neighborhood.
“From what I know, he’s a really good, quiet kid,” Burdier said.
While a motive for the murder was unknown, Burdier said there was speculation that Nicholas was the target of a botched robbery.
A memorial in honor of Nicholas was erected at the murder site, featuring a picture of the 17-year-old, candles and presumably some of his favorite foods, including waffles, oranges and butter coconut cookies.
Reach reporter Howard Koplowitz by e-mail at hkoplowitz@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4573.
