LINDENHURST, NY — A 44-year-old man was indicted on Monday after he was accused of beating a Lindenhurst smoke shop owner to death in his store in May 2021, Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney said.

Yoel Atzmon, who is undomiciled, was charged with one count of first-degree murder; one count of second-degree murder: intentional; one count of second-degree murder: felony murder; one count of second-degree criminal mischief; one count of false personation; and one count of possession of burglar’s tools, according to Judge Richard I. Horowitz. Retail Display Shelving

On May 19, 2021, Atzmon entered Dapper Smoke Shop, located at 411 40th Street, near closing time, and brutally bludgeoned 33-year-old Kinshuk Patel to death with a blunt object, prosecutors said.

One of the front display counters was smashed and dragged to the rear of the store, prosecutors said. Patel’s body was recovered inside that broken display counter, officials said.

After a year-long investigation, Atzmon was apprehended while committing another crime, prosecutors said.

On June 15, he threw rocks through four windows of a closed deli and was arrested while attempting to flee, prosecutors said. At the time of his apprehension, prosecutors said Atzmon was found with a machete, a hammer and rocks in his pocket, and was wearing a black ski mask.

He also provided a false name to police officers, prosecutors said.

“It is alleged that this defendant is responsible for the brutal beating of an innocent business owner found dead in his own shop,” said Tierney. “We will seek justice on behalf of the victim and his family, and make sure that this defendant is held responsible for this callous and brazen act.”

Atzmon has plead not guilty, according to his attorney, Christopher Gioe, Esq.

In a statement to Patch, Gioe said that "Mr. Atzmon maintains his innocence" and they will be seeking a trial.

Atzmon is currently being held without bail, and his next court date is Aug. 10, officials said.

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