Last Friday, detectives found the body of Glenn Hirsch, 51, of Briarwood—the alleged killer of Zhiwen Yan, a Chinese food delivery man who worked in Forest Hills.
The Daily News reported that he died by suicide, and left a “rambling suicide note” requesting that the charges be dropped against his wife, Dorothy Hirsch, who was accused of keeping his guns in her home.
Authorities say Hirsch shot himself.
Hirsch was supposed to appear in court on Aug. 5, and was charged for stalking and killing Yan, 45, on April 30.
Yan, who lived in Middle Village, was fatally shot at around 9:30 p.m. while riding his scooter on his way to deliver food at the intersection of 108th St. and 67th Dr. in Forest Hills.
The husband and father of three endured a gunshot wound to the chest which caused him to fall off his scooter.
The community showed much support for Zhiwen Yan’s family during their time of grief.
While in custody for these charges, Hirsch was granted $500,000 bail, which his brother posted with a certified check.
He complied with the conditions for his release on bail, which required him to be monitored by an ankle bracelet and to remain inside for 24 hours, only permitted to leave his home for visits to his lawyer, doctor and court, as well as one hour per day of exercise.
He was also barred from going near the Great Wall Restaurant, where Yan worked, its delivery zones, or anywhere near the crime scene, and was prohibited from leaving New York City, going within a mile of airports or major train stations and purchasing guns.
Although there was much backlash from elected officials and community members for his release on bail, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz says she would have preferred for him to have his day in court.
“The loss of a human life is always tragic. Obviously, we would have preferred to try Mr. Glenn Hirsch for the calculated murder of Mr. Zhiwen Yan in a court of law, but this is no longer an option,” Katz said in a statement.
“We once again express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Zhiwen Yan, who continue to grieve his tragic and senseless loss.”
