$10K Reward Offered In East Harlem Shooting Of Kristal Nieves

EAST HARLEM, NY — Police are offering a hefty reward for information that could lead them to the gunman accused of killing a teenage cashier in an East Harlem Burger King on Sunday.

The $10,000 reward was announced Wednesday — three days after 19-year-old Kristal Bayron-Nieves was shot by a would-be robber as she worked a cashier shift at the East 116th Street fast-food restaurant.

Described as a man with a dark complexion and slim build, the assailant is seen on surveillance footage wearing a black mask and all-black clothing. He may also have carried a black plastic bag, police said.

The NYPD's CrimeStoppers program is offering $3,500 for information leading to the suspect's arrest and indictment, while the NYPD is tacking on another $6,500 payable after the suspect's conviction.

The man entered the Burger King around 12:45 a.m. Sunday, reportedly pistol-whipping a customer and punching another employee before shooting Bayron-Nieves, according to police. After the shooting, he fled west along East 116th Street, police said.

Bayron-Nieves's death triggered an outpouring of grief, as well as outrage over a life cut short. A GoFundMe seeking to cover her funeral costs had raised nearly double its goal of $10,000 as of Wednesday afternoon.

Among those mourning Bayron-Nieves was East Harlem City Councilmember Diana Ayala, who said the teenager was her nephew's cousin.

"I am just so angry," Ayala tweeted. "She was an only child and just 19 years old. Her family moved to NYC a few years ago in search of a better future."

I am just so angry. Kristal Bayron-Nieves was my nephews cousin. She was an only child and just 19 years old. Her family moved to NYC a few years ago in search of a better future. Please keep her mother in prayer.https://t.co/chPrUT5NUp
— Diana Ayala (@DianaAyalaNYC) January 9, 2022

Related coverage:

• Harlem Burger King Shooting: GoFundMe Opens For Cashier's Funeral
• Teen Cashier Killed In East Harlem Burger King Robbery: Police