Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
[UPDATE] Missing Williamsburg Real Estate Developer Found Dead On LI
By
Rebecca Fishbein
Published Jan 4, 2014
Modified Jan 5, 2014
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Rebecca Fishbein
Published Jan 4, 2014
Modified Jan 5, 2014
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
[UPDATES BELOW]
The NYPD has released surveillance footage of the alleged kidnapping of South Williamsburg real estate developer, Menachem "Max" Stark. The 39-year-old has been missing since 11:45 p.m. on Thursday night; his family has offered a $100,000 reward for his return.
Authorities say that shortly after Stark exited his real estate company's offices at 331 Rutledge Street, he was approached by two men, who forced him into a light-colored Dodge Caravan after a brief struggle. When he didn't come home, Stark's wife Bashy Stark initially called Orthodox watch group Shomrim, alerting cops a few hours later.
The NYPD says the vehicle was last seen traveling eastbound on Broadway, and the Stark family has not heard from the alleged kidnappers. "We’re waiting for a phone call (from the suspects) with demands, just hoping that he is still alive,” Yitzy Stark, the victim's brother, told the Daily News. “We’ll do anything they ask. We don’t want to think that he’s not alive. We hope he is alive."
Stark was reportedly carrying $4,000 in cash at the time of his disappearance; according to the Daily News, he had been plagued with financial issues recently, and blog Failed Messiah referred to him as a "slumlord".
Update 10:44 a.m.: The Post and the Daily News report that Nassau County Investigators have discovered a burned body they believe belongs to Menachem Stark. The body was found in a dumpster in Great Neck on Long Island last night; the NYPD has not confirmed the body is Stark's, and the medical examiner is currently determining the cause of death.
Update 2:03 p.m.: The Post claims police sources have confirmed the body found in a Long Island dumpster is the missing Stark. The tabloid says a gas station attendant discovered the body, which was badly burned, around 4 p.m. yesterday.
Tagged
brooklyn
kidnapping
menachem stark
south williamsburg
williamsburg
Rebecca Fishbein
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Eric Adams' NYC buildings boss Eric Ulrich heads to trial, 3 years after arrest
Ulrich, a former city councilmember, is accused of trading access and favors for cash and bribes. He was the first aide to Mayor Adams charged with public corruption.
By
David Brand
and
Samantha Max
Published Oct 19, 2026 at 8:01 a.m. ET
Need help with mental health or addiction services? NYC has a new tool.
In surveys, many who say they want want help state they don't know where to start.
By
Caroline Lewis
News
Need help with mental health or addiction services? NYC has a new tool.
In surveys, many who say they want want help state they don't know where to start.
By
Caroline Lewis
NYC sues personal injury law firm accused of bogus trip-and-fall claims
By
Walter Wuthmann
NYC Council to consider earlier Legionella reporting after deadly outbreaks
By
Catalina Gonella
Staten Island fire injures 2, but spares historic 'Godfather' church
By
Giulia Heyward
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .