Police Hunt Hit-and-Run Killer of Bukharian Jeweler to the Stars

By JTA July 24, 2015

New York police are still searching for the driver who killed a prominent Jewish jeweler in a hit-and-run accident.

Aron “Eric” Aranbayev, whose jewelry store in the Diamond District of Manhattan, New York, is known for its popularity with hip-hop stars like Drake and Busta Rhymes, died early Monday morning after being run over Sunday night by a dark-colored Dodge Magnum near his home in Queens, New York.

The driver deliberately hit Aranbayev, 40, following a verbal dispute, possibly over a parking spot, police said, according to CBS2. Surveillance cameras captured the vehicle.

A father of three young children, Aranbayev worked at his family’s store Rafaello & Co, whose clients include rappers Sean “Diddy” Combs and Jay Z and reality TV star Khloe Kardashian. One hip-hop client, Busta Rhymes, memorialized Aranbayev in an Instagram post, according to ContactMusic.com.

The post from the rapper’s official account, @conglomerateent, read: “I can’t believe they took my brother from me and from all of us. Eric u were truly a shining light bro. U always brightened up and lifted the energy in many situations. I can’t believe this is really me typing this 2 u in ur absence. I love u and miss u tremendously my brother. Ur family will be kept in our prayers. May God hold u and keep u family. God bless… the whole… family… Eric u will continue 2 live thru us all. May u travel harmoniously my bro. RIP Eric Rafaello and Co.

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