Shooting victim would have given assailant anything he needed, friends say

YOUNGSTOWN

Abdullah Nagi Mahdi was remembered Thursday as a hard-working, kind man who would have given his shooter anything he needed.

The 29-year-old Mahdi was shot and killed at the Reemas Fashion store in an exchange of gunfire with a robber at about 4:29 p.m. Wednesday.

The initial police report Wednesday listed Mahdi’s name incorrectly.

Angel Cruz, who owns a pizza shop next to the 2608 South Ave. store, said Mahdi was a good business neighbor and an even better person.

“If that kid would’ve told Abdullah he was hungry, he would’ve come over here and got him something to eat,” said Cruz. “If that kid would’ve told Abdullah he needed a coat, Abdullah would’ve given him a coat. He was a good guy. Our hearts are broken.”

Mahdi died at St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital of a gunshot wound to the head.

Also taken to St. Elizabeth was the man accused of shooting him, 19-year-old Larry McDonald.

Read more about Mahdi and the shooting in Friday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.