Professional Boxer Kemal Kolenovic Killed on New Year’s Eve by Hit and Run During Bar Brawl in Bronx New York

On New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2006, a night of celebration turned into tragedy in the Bronx, New York. Professional boxer Kemal Kolenovic, a rising star in the middleweight division, was killed in a hit-and-run incident that shocked the local community and the boxing world. What was initially seen as a tragic accident would later be revealed as a deliberate act of violence.

For nearly 18 years, the case of Kemal Kolenovic’s death remained a cold case, with no arrests made despite police investigations and the emotional pleas of his family. However, in 2024, a breakthrough occurred when Ahmet Gashi, the prime suspect in the case, was finally arrested and charged with second-degree murder. The case exemplifies the long road to justice and the relentless pursuit of closure for the families of victims.

Who Was Kemal Kolenovic?

Kemal Kolenovic was a professional boxer originally from Montenegro who moved to the United States to pursue a better life and a career in boxing. Known by his nickname “Kemo,” Kolenovic was a rising star in the welterweight and middleweight boxing divisions. He built a reputation for being a dedicated and hardworking athlete, with a professional record of 10 wins, 6 losses, and 2 draws.

Kolenovic was known for his fearless fighting style and his ability to stage comebacks even in the most challenging matches. He had achieved a first-round knockout victory not long before his death, and many believed that his career was on the verge of reaching new heights.

More than just a boxer, Kolenovic was also a beloved member of his local community and a loving family man. Friends and family described him as loyal, driven, and someone who valued his relationships with the people around him. His tragic death at just 28 years old sent shockwaves through the Bronx and the broader boxing community.

What Happened on New Year’s Eve 2006?

On December 31, 2006, Kemal Kolenovic was celebrating New Year’s Eve with friends and family at a local Bronx bar near Belmont Avenue and Crescent Avenue. As midnight approached, the celebration turned violent when a heated confrontation broke out near the entrance of the bar. The specifics of the altercation remain unclear, but witnesses described it as an argument involving multiple individuals.

At the center of this confrontation was Ahmet Gashi, a man known to be acquainted with Kolenovic. Reports suggest that Kolenovic was attempting to de-escalate the situation when Gashi entered his black SUV. Instead of leaving the scene, Gashi accelerated the vehicle onto the sidewalk where Kolenovic was standing.

The Impact

Gashi’s SUV struck Kolenovic, slamming him into a nearby tree with extreme force. The impact caused severe injuries to Kolenovic’s head, neck, and chest. Emergency services were called to the scene, and Kolenovic was rushed to St. Barnabas Hospital, but he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

Eyewitnesses later reported that Gashi fled the scene immediately after striking Kolenovic. His sudden departure fueled suspicions that the incident was more than just a tragic accident. Investigators began treating the case as a hit-and-run homicide, and the pursuit of justice began.

The Prime Suspect: Ahmet Gashi

Immediately after the incident, police identified Ahmet Gashi as the prime suspect. Witnesses stated that he was behind the wheel of the SUV that struck Kolenovic. However, Gashi managed to evade capture.

Following the killing, Gashi fled the United States, reportedly traveling to the Balkans, a region where his family had deep roots. His departure sparked frustration for the Kolenovic family, who believed that Gashi was being shielded from justice.

Manhunt for Gashi

For nearly 18 years, Gashi remained on the run, avoiding arrest and extradition to the United States. He lived under the radar, using his connections abroad to evade capture. His ability to remain undetected raised questions about whether he had help in staying hidden.

Despite his disappearance, authorities never stopped pursuing him. Over the years, U.S. law enforcement worked with international police agencies, including Interpol, to track him down. Leads were scarce, but the NYPD and U.S. Marshals kept the case active, hoping that time would eventually catch up with Gashi.

Breakthrough Arrest in 2024

The long-awaited breakthrough came in December 2024, when police in Kosovo successfully captured Ahmet Gashi. With the cooperation of local authorities, U.S. Marshals facilitated Gashi’s extradition to New York. After 18 years on the run, he was finally returned to face charges in the Bronx.

The Charges

Gashi was charged with second-degree murder for his role in the killing of Kemal Kolenovic. The second-degree murder charge indicates that prosecutors believe Gashi’s actions were intentional but without premeditation.

The Bronx District Attorney’s office emphasized that even after nearly two decades, justice would be pursued. Gashi’s arrest sent a powerful message about the pursuit of accountability in long-term cold cases.

Legal Proceedings and Trial

As of December 2024, Gashi is awaiting trial in New York. He faces a potential life sentence if convicted of second-degree murder. His defense attorneys may argue that the death was accidental or the result of an emotional outburst. However, prosecutors will likely emphasize the deliberateness of his decision to use his SUV as a weapon and the fact that he fled the scene and avoided capture for nearly 18 years.

The trial will undoubtedly be closely watched, not only because of the high-profile nature of the case but also due to the broader implications for cold-case investigations. The Kolenovic family has publicly expressed hope that the trial will bring closure and justice for Kemal’s tragic death.

Public Reaction and Community Impact

The murder of Kemal Kolenovic left a lasting impact on the Bronx community, especially in the local boxing scene. He was seen as a symbol of hope and perseverance, and his death was a devastating loss.

For the next 18 years, his family continued to push for justice, making public appeals and staying in contact with police to ensure the case was never forgotten. The family’s commitment to finding closure has been seen as an example of how persistence can lead to justice, no matter how long it takes.

Boxing Community Reaction

The broader boxing community also reacted with sorrow and anger. Fellow boxers and trainers who knew Kolenovic described him as a dedicated athlete with a promising career ahead of him. His tragic death was a reminder of how sudden and senseless violence can shatter lives in an instant.

Public Perception of Justice

The arrest of Gashi was met with relief and satisfaction from many in the community. The public viewed it as proof that even in “cold cases,” justice can still be achieved. Many felt that Gashi’s lengthy evasion of capture represented a flaw in the justice system, but his eventual capture reaffirmed the belief that no one can run forever.

Legacy of Kemal Kolenovic

Kemal Kolenovic’s legacy lives on through the enduring love of his family and the memories shared by his community. He was not only a skilled boxer but also a devoted son, brother, and friend. His tragic death on New Year’s Eve 2006 remains a painful reminder of how lives can be shattered by violence.

The arrest of Ahmet Gashi is seen as a crucial step in ensuring that Kolenovic’s legacy is honored through justice. His story will continue to be told as an example of perseverance in the face of tragedy.

Conclusion

The killing of Kemal Kolenovic on December 31, 2006, in the Bronx, New York, is a story of violence, loss, and the pursuit of justice. For nearly 18 years, his family waited for closure, and their patience was rewarded with the arrest and extradition of Ahmet Gashi.

This case highlights the power of persistence and the lengths to which authorities will go to ensure justice is served. As Gashi awaits trial for second-degree murder, the public will be watching closely to see if the court delivers the justice that Kolenovic’s family has sought for so long.

Though Kolenovic’s life was tragically cut short, his story will continue to be a beacon of hope for other families still waiting for justice in cold cases. For the family of Kemal Kolenovic, the promise of justice is finally within reach.