Brooklyn Teen Deliveryman Killed in Shooting Over Faulty Car Deal

Steven Lantigua was trying to return a car he couldn't use for his job when he was fatally shot.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 8:03pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up of a car key and shattered glass, captured in dramatic black and white with harsh flash lighting, conveying the gritty aftermath of a violent incident related to a failed car transaction.A failed car deal leads to tragedy, exposing the dangers facing gig economy workers trying to make ends meet.NYC Today

An 18-year-old food deliveryman named Steven Lantigua was shot and killed in Brooklyn after trying to return a car he had purchased that didn't work. Lantigua's father says his son had tried to get his money back from the seller multiple times, but the seller refused. Police believe the shooting was sparked by the failed car deal.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the challenges faced by gig economy workers, like food deliverers, who often rely on unreliable transportation and can become victims of crime when trying to resolve issues. It also raises concerns about public safety in neighborhoods like East New York, where homicides have increased this year despite an overall citywide decline.

The details

According to police, Lantigua was trying to upgrade from the scooter he used for deliveries by purchasing a car, but the car he bought didn't work. Lantigua's father says his son tried to return the car and get his money back five times, but the seller refused. On April 10, Lantigua was shot in the chest near Drew St. and Linden Blvd. in East New York and later died at the hospital. No arrests have been made, but police believe the shooting was sparked by the failed car deal.

  • On April 10, Lantigua was shot and killed in East New York.
  • In the weeks prior, Lantigua had tried to return the car he purchased 5 times to get his money back.

The players

Steven Lantigua

An 18-year-old food deliveryman who was killed in a shooting in Brooklyn after trying to return a car he had purchased that didn't work.

Jose Lantigua

The father of Steven Lantigua, who says his son was trying to upgrade from a scooter to a car for his delivery job.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“He worked a lot. He was young. He was focusing on making money for himself.”

— Jose Lantigua, Father of Steven Lantigua

“He said he went to see them about five times but they refused to give him the money back. However, my son never mentioned it to me again, because I had been advising him not to buy a car until he had his driver's license.”

— Jose Lantigua, Father of Steven Lantigua

What’s next

Police are continuing to investigate the shooting and search for the suspect. The victim's family has set up a GoFundMe to cover funeral expenses.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the challenges and risks facing gig economy workers, especially young people, who may resort to purchasing unreliable transportation to earn a living. It also underscores the need for greater protections and support systems for vulnerable workers in these types of jobs.