By Michael Mroziak
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-972070.mp3
Buffalo – The family of 21-year-old Jay Nieves is urging the public to provide information that will help Buffalo Police catch his killer. Nieves was fatally shot inside a house on Vermont Street in the early morning hours of May 27th. The victim escaped from the house but collapsed and died on the sidewalk.
Family members told reporters that just hours before he was shot, Jay Nieves had stepped in to break up a fight inside a Chippewa Street nightclub, then was followed to Vermont street by his killer. He was further described by relatives as a good young man who was doing the right things with his life.
"He worked at Buffalo General Hospital in housekeeping," said sister Wendy Bonilla.
His other sister Suzanne Rodriguez added, "He was in the National Guard and was a student. He was going to school for criminal justice. He wanted to be a police officer."
Jay Nieves, who attended Erie Community College, was buried with full military honors.
The group CrimeStoppers recently posted a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and capture of Nieves' killer. His family announced on June 6 that Nieves' employer, Contract Specialists Inc., which arranged his work at Buffalo General, added an additional $1,000 to the reward money.
Buffalo Police are looking for 17-year-old Joshua Nieves, who is unrelated to the victim, identifying him only as a person of interest. The victim's family, however, are convinced the younger Nieves is their loved one's killer.
"We all know who this man is, and there's someone out there who knows where he is," said Bonilla. "I and my family are begging you to do the right thing and help the police find this man so my brother's death does not go unpunished."
Anyone with information related to this case, including the whereabouts of 17-year-old Joshua Nieves, is asked to call the Buffalo Police confidential tip line at 847-2255.