Table of Contents
Background of the case
The tragic death of professional welterweight boxer Kemal Kolenovic on New Year’s Eve in 2006 shocked the Bronx community and left many unanswered questions. Kolenovic, a 28-year-old fighter from Montenegro, was killed outside a bar on Belmont Avenue during a chaotic altercation.
The incident escalated quickly, leading to a fatal confrontation that would haunt his family and friends for years. The suspect, Ahmet Gashi, allegedly ran over Kolenovic with his Mitsubishi SUV after a bar fight spilled into the street. This case remained unsolved for nearly two decades, with Gashi evading capture and justice.
The incident unfolds
According to police reports, the altercation began inside the bar and escalated outside, involving Gashi and two other men. In a reckless act of aggression, Gashi jumped into his vehicle and drove onto the curb, aiming to hit those he had been arguing with.
Tragically, Kolenovic, who was not part of the dispute, was struck instead. Witnesses described the horrifying scene as Kolenovic was thrown into a tree, suffering severe injuries that would ultimately lead to his death at a nearby hospital. The driver fled the scene, leaving behind a community in mourning and a family seeking answers.
Long-awaited justice
For 18 years, Gashi remained a fugitive, reportedly fleeing to the Balkans to escape justice. The NYPD had sought to question him in connection with Kolenovic’s death, but he managed to elude capture until recently. Earlier this year, Serbian police apprehended Gashi, leading to his transfer to the custody of U.S.
Marshals. On Friday night, he was finally brought to Central Booking in the Bronx, where he faces murder charges. This development has reignited discussions about the importance of justice for victims and their families, especially in cases that linger unresolved for years.
The Bronx community, along with Kolenovic’s family, can now hope for closure as the legal process unfolds.
