D.A. Bragg Announces Indictment Of Man For Murder Of Fellow Shelter Resident In Washington Heights

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., today announced the indictment of JAVED TYGHTER, 29, for allegedly stabbing and killing 33-year-old Nicholas Ahmad, a fellow resident of a Washington Heights men's homeless shelter, in September 2026. TYGHTER is charged in a New York State Supreme Court indictment with one count each of Murder in the Second Degree and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree. [1]

"As alleged, Nicholas Ahmad was brutally murdered by Javed Tyghter in a senseless act of violence," said District Attorney Bragg. "Everyone deserves to feel safe where they live, and violence like this compounds the hardships faced by an already vulnerable community. My thoughts remain with the family members and loved ones of Mr. Ahmad as we seek accountability."

As alleged in court documents and statements made on the record in court, TYGHTER and Mr. Ahmad were residents of a Washington Heights men's homeless shelter, near West 168th Street and Fort Washington Avenue. On September 27, 2026, prior to the stabbing, TYGHTER allegedly shoved and argued with Mr. Ahmad in the shelter's lobby before returning to his room.

About one minute later, at approximately 11:49 a.m., TYGHTER allegedly reemerged from his room, went looking for Mr. Ahmad in the lobby, and repeatedly stabbed him in the torso, causing Mr. Ahmad to collapse to the ground with deep lacerations to his chest. TYGHTER then walked away, briefly returning to his room.

TYGHTER allegedly exited the shelter as police arrived. He was arrested nearby, allegedly wearing the same clothing seen during the stabbing.

Mr. Ahmad was transported to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Assistant D.A.s Andrea Kimmel and Brandon Spreckels are handling the prosecution of this case under the supervision of Assistant D.A.s Harrison Schweiloch and Annie Siegel (Deputy Chiefs of Trial Bureau 60), Charles Whitt (Chief of Trial Bureau 60), and Executive D.A. Lisa DelPizzo (Chief of the Trial Division).

D.A. Bragg thanked the New York City Police Department (NYPD), particularly Detective Jonathan Perez of the 33rd Precinct Detective Squad and patrol officers from the 33^rd Precinct.

Defendant Information:

JAVED TYGHTER

New York, NY

Charged:

• Murder in the Second Degree, a class A-I felony, one count
• Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree, a class D felony, one count

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[1] The charges contained in the indictment are merely allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. All factual recitations are derived from documents filed in court and statements made on the record in court.