Cops ID suspect in Uniondale slaying

A Uniondale man fatally shot outside a church during Sunday morning services had been arguing over money with the gunman, Nassau police said Tuesday.

Homicide detectives Tuesday identified the victim as Isaac Andrews, 34, and asked the public's help in tracking down Jonathan D. Mack, whom police identified as the shooter.

The two were unemployed men who knew each other from the neighborhood, homicide Det. Sgt. Stephen Fitzpatrick said. Mack "claimed he took money from him," Fitzpatrick said.

Their argument on Hill Street ended in the shooting about 10:40 a.m. Sunday, police said, and while Mack took off, another acquaintance at the scene, a woman, drove Andrews to Nassau University Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 12:25 p.m.

The slaying was steps from the Tabernacle of Joy Church as about 70 people worshipped inside, said Bishop J. Raymond "Megalos" Mackey, the pastor. From young to old, parishioners emerged from services to a crime scene, with many unable to drive home because their cars were inside the cordoned-off area.

Tuesday night, First Precinct officials were at the church to reassure residents. Mackey said he set up the meeting to dispel rumors that the shooting was gang-related and fears that a gang war would erupt.

Deputy Insp. Stephen Palmer told about a dozen members of the community that a large number of plainclothes officers are out on a regular basis. "It's a concern to us" that the community doesn't feel safe, he told the audience.

Mackey said he expected more people to attend the community meeting. "People were afraid to come out tonight," he said. "Nobody should have to live like that."

Police passed out fliers of the suspect, urging residents to call if they have any tips or concerns.

"It does not get done without your help," Palmer said. "We can help make this a better community and one that you feel safer in."

Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers at 800-244-8477 or homicide detectives at 516-573-7788.