Brooklyn Superintendent Dies After Confronting Alleged Package Thief

Building Super Suffered Fatal Head Injury While Protecting Tenants’ Deliveries

Tragedy Strikes Flatbush Community

A 41-year-old building superintendent died Thursday after suffering significant head trauma while confronting a suspected package thief at 1199 Ocean Avenue in Flatbush, Brooklyn. Burim Havolli, who survived the Kosovo war in 1999 before immigrating to America, leaves behind three children and a community mourning his loss.

Incident Details

Officers responded to a 911 call reporting an assault Wednesday morning, finding Havolli with severe head injuries. He was rushed to Kings County Hospital where he later died. Police have not ruled the death a homicide, and the medical examiner will determine the cause of death. Sources indicate a person of interest was taken into custody at the scene for questioning. Detectives collected evidence and canvassed apartments seeking information from residents, according to CBS New York.

Family’s Heartbreak

Blerim Havolli, the victim’s brother, tearfully recalled their escape from the Kosovo war and journey to America seeking a better life. “He loved this country. This country helped us a lot,” Blerim said. “There’s no words that can explain. This is sad. He left behind three [children] and he was only 41 years old,” added cousin Petrit Havolli. The victim’s 2-year-old child continues asking, “Where’s my father? Call him, call him,” highlighting the family’s profound loss.

Ongoing Package Theft Problem

Tenant Jeff Fisher described Havolli as “extremely professional” and confirmed package theft is an ongoing problem in the building, with posted warnings about the issue. “This is an ongoing problem in this building, so for this to happen, like this, is truly a tragedy,” Fisher stated. Gail Seton, landlord of the adjacent building, noted an uptick in crime: “I’ve seen an uptick in crime, people stealing packages, people [emboldened] and they don’t care.” Resident Alexis Potter remembered Havolli as “very caring, always there for all his tenants, very hardworking.”

Community Memorial

The building lobby was adorned with candles and flowers, with a sign reading “With gratitude for all you did and sorrow for your loss.” Blerim Havolli emphasized his brother’s dedication: “He died protecting the building, protecting the packages of the tenants.” The NYPD asks anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). The tragedy underscores growing concerns about package theft and the risks faced by building staff protecting residents’ property in New York City’s evolving crime landscape.