Vernard Floranda, a sommelier at the acclaimed Café Boulud in New York City, was shot and killed outside a deli in Washington Heights.

The 46-year-old was fatally wounded just after midnight on October 2, when he was shot in the chest at the corner of West 160th Street and Amsterdam Avenue, mere blocks from his home. Despite being rushed to the hospital, he succumbed to his injuries.

Floranda, originally from the culinary scenes of Las Vegas and Hawaii, had only been living in New York City for two years. At the time of his death, he was working at the upscale Upper East Side restaurant Café Boulud, which is helmed by renowned chef Daniel Boulud. Prior to his tenure there, he had gained experience at the prestigious Gramercy Park Tavern, where he honed his skills in fine dining.

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The circumstances surrounding the shooting were alarming, with reports indicating that a 25-year-old man also sought treatment at a nearby hospital for a gunshot wound to his left ankle. Fortunately, he is expected to recover from his injuries.

In a swift response to the tragic event, police launched an investigation that led to the arrests of three teenagers on October 16. Jeremiah Bascombe, 19, Jason Texeira, 18, and a 17-year-old whose name has not been released, have been charged with two counts of second-degree murder, assault, and weapon possession in connection with Floranda’s death.