Tragedy in Queens: ex-con shot dead.

In theAstoria neighborhood of Queens, drama erupted outside a grocery store. Joseph Valdez, a 25-year-old ex-convict, was shot dead during an argument with his assailant. The incident occurred around 10 p.m. Monday on 21st St. near 41st Ave. Valdez was shot three times, hitting his arm and upper body. Despite the efforts of rescuers to transport him to New York-Presbyterian Hospital, his life could not be saved.