A Bronx teen — who was set to join the Navy — was gunned down after trying to play peacemaker, cops and relatives said.
Victor Maldonado, 19, was visiting a friend when he encountered two women arguing in the lobby of a building on Heath Avenue in Kingsbridge around 10:20 p.m. Monday.
“One of the girls got upset because she didn’t say thank you for holding the door,” the victim’s aunt, Valerie Torres,41, explained.
“He tried to break it up. One of the girls came out and told him, ‘Why you are in the building? I’m going to get my brother!’” Torres explained.
Police arrested Deshawn Coleman, 34, also of The Bronx, and charged him with murder, criminal possession of a weapon and assault. He has 26 previous arrests on his record, including one for attempted murder, sources said.
One woman stormed off to complain to Coleman, who exchanged angry words with Maldonado and opened fire, police sources said.
Maldonado was rushed to St. Barnabas Hospital, where he died.
“I just want my son!” his heartbroken mother, Luz DeJesus wailed.
“My brother was killed for such a stupid reason,” said Maldonado’s sister, Nayiliana DeJesus.
“He was so loving and kind. He had a good life ahead of him,” Nayiliana, 15, said.
Maldonado was set to take his physical next week to enlist in the Navy.
“My uncle and grandfather was in the Navy, too. He wanted to be just like them,” Nayiliana said.
Maldonado had one sealed arrest on his record, the sources said.