Midtown Coffee Shop Horror: Employee Tragically Killed in Dispute, Suspect Charged with Murder

A bustling Midtown coffee shop became the scene of unspeakable tragedy this week, as a dispute over money escalated into a fatal slashing, leaving an employee dead and a suspect facing murder charges. The shocking incident unfolded at the Muffin Cafe on W. 40th St. near Ninth Ave., just after 1:30 PM on Tuesday.

Authorities identified the victim as 48-year-old Chazzia Allen, a dedicated employee at the popular café.

Police reports indicate that Allen was attacked by Jose Alfredo Rojas-Flores, 32, a customer with whom he had an argument. The conflict reportedly began when Rojas-Flores attempted to pay with a credit card, but the transaction failed. Witnesses recounted hearing Rojas-Flores declare, "I don't play with my money," just moments before the violent assault.

In a horrifying turn of events, Rojas-Flores allegedly pulled out a box cutter, brutally slashing Allen in the neck.

The assailant then fled the scene, leaving the victim bleeding profusely. First responders rushed Allen to Bellevue Hospital, but despite their best efforts, he succumbed to his catastrophic injuries and was pronounced dead.

The swift response from the NYPD led to Rojas-Flores's apprehension just blocks away from the crime scene, near Penn Station, shortly after the attack.

He was taken into custody without further incident. Prosecutors have since charged Rojas-Flores with murder and criminal possession of a weapon, underscoring the severity of the alleged crime.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the Midtown community, leaving many patrons and local businesses reeling.

Friends and colleagues remembered Chazzia Allen as a kind and hardworking individual, making his sudden and violent death all the more heartbreaking. The investigation into the precise sequence of events and motives behind this senseless act continues, as the legal process moves forward to seek justice for Chazzia Allen.