Lounge in Fordham faces penalties after cleaning up homicide scene in its basement
The SLA issued the emergency suspension of M Lounge's liquor license just over a week after 29-year-old Yeimy Reyes was shot in the head and killed. Local leaders say the suspension is "an important step toward addressing the dangerous conditions surrounding its operations."
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The New York State Liquor Authority says a lounge in Fordham is facing penalties after its staff cleaned up the scene of a fatal shooting.
The SLA issued the emergency suspension of M Lounge's liquor license just over a week after 29-year-old Yeimy Reyes was shot in the head and killed. Local leaders say the suspension is "an important step toward addressing the dangerous conditions surrounding its operations."
The violent scene erupted just before 4:30 a.m. on July 16 inside 2362 Jerome Ave. The gunman, identified by police as 24-year-old Luis Aguero, remains on the run.
According to the SLA, surveillance footage following the shooting captured Reyes being carried out of the basement and placed on the sidewalk. The video then showed staff cleaning the crime scene before police arrived.
Additionally, the SLA says multiple people inside M Lounge were armed at the time of the shooting.
M Lounge was charged with 21 violations of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law. These include operating a disorderly premises and failure to supervise. The lounge cannot serve alcohol and alcohol cannot be consumed on its premises.
"The loss of life inside this establishment, together with the serious failures in security and supervision documented in the evidence presented to the Authority, requires immediate action to protect the public," said Lily Fan, SLA chair.
Elected officials representing the West Bronx sent a letter to Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Gov. Kathy Hochul on July 17, demanding legal action against M Lounge and its closure.
These officials include Council Member Pierina Sanchez, Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, New York State Senator Gustavo Rivera and New York State Assembly Member Yudelka Tapia.
On Tuesday, the same elected officials issued an extensive statement, reiterating the dangers presented by M Lounge and renewing the call for its closure.
The statement read, in part, "But this suspension is only the first step. We continue to call upon all relevant agencies to pursue every legal and administrative remedy supported by the evidence, including permanent license revocation and court-authorized closure. Following all required proceedings, M Lounge should not be permitted to continue operating under another address or business name."
