Woodhaven Man Sentenced for Killing Bangladeshi Leader

By David Brand

The Woodhaven man who killed a Bangladeshi leader during a robbery in Ozone Park in 2014 was finally sentenced for manslaughter nearly five years later.

Nestor Rodriguez, 25, was sentenced to 18 years in prison by Queens Supreme Court Justice Barry Schwartz a month after Rodriguez pleaded guilty to manslaughter after he and a co-defendant beat Nazmul Islam to death at the intersection of 76th Street and Atlantic Avenue.

“This defendant — a young man who could have had a productive life in front of him — instead chose a path of senseless violence and criminal activity,” said Queens District Attorney Richard A. Brown said. “Sadly, a 55-year-old leader in the Bangladeshi community was beaten to death and robbed. In pleading guilty, the defendant has admitted to this heinous crime and will be imprisoned as punishment and to keep society safe.”

The case of Rodriguez’s co-defendant Carlos Genno is pending.

Rodriguez was originally scheduled to appear for sentencing last month, but another defendant refused to board the bus at Rikers Island, causing delays and preventing Rodriguez from showing up in court.

“We’re restless,” said Onik Islam, Nazmul Islam’s son, at the time. “We’re uneasy because we haven’t gotten closure.”

Rodriguez avoided trial on second-degree murder charges last month by pleading guilty to first-degree manslaughter.

Onik Islam said he and his family members did not agree with the plea deal for a lesser charge but were eager to finish proceedings.