Masked Gunman Kills Man After Attempted Jewelry Robbery Outside Astoria Club

# What happened

In the early hours of Sept. 24, a masked assailant followed a man out of the Riviera Gentleman's Club at Steinway Street and 35th Avenue in Astoria and shot him during what police describe as a botched jewelry robbery. The victim, identified by police as 40-year-old Hector Figuereo, was taken by FDNY medics to Elmhurst Hospital Center and pronounced dead.

The surveillance footage captures the suspect crouching next to the victim moments after gunfire, then leaving the area. Witnesses and police sources reported the suspect fled in a white Mercedes SUV, driving the wrong way on one-way 37th Street.

# What the surveillance and witness accounts show

• The attacker wore a mask and appeared to have been observing the victim inside the club.
• A brief scuffle occurred on the sidewalk outside the club before the fatal shot.

# Response and investigation status

The NYPD is treating the case as a homicide tied to an attempted robbery. Detectives continue to review surveillance footage and follow leads. Police have asked the public to come forward with any information that could identify the shooter or the vehicle involved.

# Immediate practical implications for residents and patrons

Club patrons and nearby businesses should review any private surveillance footage that might have captured the suspect or the vehicle in the area around the time of the shooting. Anyone who was in or near the club that night and has not yet spoken with police may have information relevant to the case.

# What remains unresolved

Police have released still images but have not announced an arrest. The motive beyond the attempted theft, the suspect's identity, and whether others were involved are open questions in the ongoing investigation.

# How to help

If you have information: call the CrimeStoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visit crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, or contact @NYPDTips on X. The reward offer applies to tips that lead to an arrest and conviction.

# Short summary

A masked man followed 40-year-old Hector Figuereo out of the Riviera Gentleman's Club in Astoria on Sept. 24, attempted to steal jewelry, then shot Figuereo during a brief struggle. The suspect fled in a white Mercedes SUV. NYPD released surveillance images and is asking the public for help, offering a reward of up to $3,500.