Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., today announced the sentencing of CHRISTIAN DIAZ, 28, to 20 years in state prison for stabbing and killing 34-year-old Ahmed Almulaiki, at the East Harlem deli where Mr. Almulaiki worked, in October 2021. On August 7, 2025, a New York Supreme Court jury found DIAZ guilty of one count of Manslaughter in the First Degree.

“Christian Diaz has been sentenced to a significant prison term for killing Ahmed Almulaiki, a hardworking deli worker who was supporting his family,” said District Attorney Bragg. “The defendant’s aggressive and threatening behavior escalated to deadly violence, leaving Mr. Almulaiki’s family with immense heartache and grief. I thank our prosecutors for putting a compelling case in front of the jury to hold this defendant accountable and may Ahmed Almulaiki’s legacy be celebrated for years to come.”

As proven at trial, and according to court documents and statements made on the record in court, on October 19, 2021, at approximately 11:30 p.m., DIAZ entered a deli at 1980 2nd Avenue, where Mr. Almulaiki and his 25-year-old co-worker were working behind the counter. DIAZ confronted the co-worker when he refused to give him an item on store credit. During the confrontation, DIAZ threatened both deli workers stating, in substance, that he would kill them, while placing his hand in his waistband. DIAZ left the store after several minutes, banged on the window, and began walking down the street before turning around and heading back. As DIAZ approached the deli, Mr. Almulaiki grabbed a golf club and the co-worker grabbed a stick. DIAZ pulled out a knife and a confrontation ensued on the street immediately in front of the store, in which Mr. Almulaiki swung at him with the golf club and missed. DIAZ grabbed the golf club from Mr. Almulaiki and stabbed him in the arm and torso.

DIAZ fled the scene and Mr. Almulaiki made it inside the deli before collapsing. He was transported to a hospital where he was pronounced dead from the stab wound to his torso. DIAZ was able to evade apprehension until he was eventually found and arrested by the police in May 2022.

Assistant D.A. Joel Seidemann handled the prosecution of this case, under the supervision of Assistant D.A. Erin Tierney (Chief of Trial Bureau 30) and Executive D.A. Lisa DelPizzo (Chief of the Trial Division). Paralegals Theodore Bellak (Trial Bureau 30) and Isabella D’Angelo (Trial Bureau 30); Investigative Analyst Owen Tesoro (Trial Bureau 30) and former Major Case Analyst Karen Niremberg; and Major Case Analysts Isabel Long (Trial Bureau 30) and Brandon McDuffie (Trial Bureau 30) provided invaluable assistance.

D.A. Bragg thanked the NYPD, particularly Detectives William Dunn and Rich Natal of the 23rd Precinct Detective Squad and Detectives Daniel Silverio and Munir Alhidami of the Regional Fugitive Task Force.

Defendant Information:
CHRISTIAN DIAZ
Staten Island, NY

Convicted:

• Manslaughter in the First Degree, a class B felony, one count

Sentenced:

• 20 years in state prison

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