Some gems stolen during the deadly robbery of a Madison Avenue jeweler have been found and a man is being questioned about the case, law enforcement officials tell NBCNewYork.
One law-enforcement source called the man a "suspect" while another cautioned that it was too soon to know if he was involved in the crime. But the discovery of the jewelry taken from the R.S. Durant store marks a key break for investigators who have been trying to solve last month's shocking murder.
Store worker Henry Menahem, 71, was shot and killed during the midday robbery on Jan. 27. He was shot in the chest when he delayed filling up the suspect's canvas bags with diamonds and other jewels, police said. The suspect then fled on foot.
The jewelry store is located on Madison Avenue between 75th and 76th Streets. Police have released a sketch of the suspect and offered a reward but still no arrest has been made.
The suspect is described as a male black, 5 foot 10 inches tall who was wearing a blue coat.
This break in the case came when a Brooklyn man -- who was aware of the Madison Avenue robbery and murder -- alerted police that jewelry related to the heist was being sold in his neighborhood.
Police then questioned a man who was found to have some of the stolen jewelry in his possession. That man continues to be questioned about what he might know about the murder.
Local
Last month, police had released pictures and a list of all the items that were still missing with their values.
Anyone with information on the incident to contact CrimeStoppers at 877-TIPS.
