I am just finding out about this story now. Fucking awful. Queens is turning into an absolute shithole.

As far as the Howard Beach citizenry seeking and finding retribution against the killer, not likely.

But years ago this crime probably wouldn't have happened. Howard Beach was surrounded adjoining Italian neighborhoods which are all gone (except for a few blocks in Ozone Park and a few blocks in Woodhaven). Walking around those neighborhoods back in the day everyone was mindful of outsiders, and had a way of letting you know you weren't from around the area. I can't see a predator seeking out a victim on Linden Blvd/Cross Bay in 1985. But these days, different story.