On Sunday, March 17, at around 2:20 a.m., twin sisters were attacked inside the Natural Plus deli located on 4th Avenue and St. Mark’s Place in the Park Slope neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, by a man who tried to flirt with them.
The confrontation led to a fatal outcome, resulting in the death of 19-year-old Samyia Spain and leaving her twin sister, Sanyia Spain, injured. The altercation began when a man, later identified as Veo Kelly, was reported to have made unwanted advances toward Samyia inside the deli, and was expelled by the establishment’s owner for his behavior.
The situation escalated when Kelly, described by witnesses as intoxicated, returned and began to forcefully attack the deli’s entrance. The sisters and their cousin were confronted by the enraged man outside. Samyia suffered fatal stab wounds to her chest and neck, while Sanyia was wounded in the arm. Both victims were taken to New York-Presbyterian Hospital Brooklyn Methodist, where Samyia’s injuries were unfortunately fatal.
An unidentified witness said, ”One of them guys complimented two girls, walked in with their friends, and they said, no, we’re not attracted so he called them names. They called him names back. He walked out. He walked down the block angry.”
The Park Slope community, including the Spain sisters’ family and friends, has been left in shock and mourning. Alphonso Goodson, the twins’ grandfather, recounted the heart-wrenching phone call he received from Sanyia, expressing disbelief and profound sorrow over the violence that took his granddaughter’s life.
Samyia, described by those who knew her as a beautiful, respectful young woman, had been employed at a Walgreens pharmacy since graduating high school. She and Sanyia had recently returned to New York City from North Carolina, seeking the familiarity and vibrance of their hometown.
Mohammed Albher, a deli worker familiar with the Spain sisters as long-time customers, expressed his devastation over the attack.
This incident adds to a history of violence at the Natural Plus deli, drawing parallels to an incident in April 2021 when Nichelle Thomas was fatally shot by her ex-girlfriend, Latisha Bell, in a highly publicized case.
The suspect, 20-year-old Veo Kelly, entered the 78th Precinct accompanied by his attorney for an interrogation this past Friday and was taken into custody.
During a search of his residence on Wednesday, law enforcement officers seized the clothes he had on when the homicide occurred. The murder weapon has not been found.
