Man, 35, killed in Hell’s Kitchen as crime surges in neighborhood

A 35-year-old man was gunned down in Hell’s Kitchen on Saturday after arguing with a rival, cops and witnesses said — as crime continues to rise in the neighborhood.

Sharief Jackson was blasted twice in the chest shortly before 3 am inside his apartment on 49th Street between 8th and 9th Avenues, according to the NYPD and residents.

Police found him in front of the 5-story building bleeding out and conscious.

Medics rushed him to NYC Health and Hospitals/Bellevue but he could not be saved.

His killer was still on the loose Saturday night.

A resident told The Post she heard yelling before three gunshots rang out.

The cold-blooded killing comes as murder surged by 66.7% this year compared to 2023 in Midtown North Precinct, with five homicides recorded through Dec. 15, according to NYPD crime stats.

Robberies, assaults, rape and burglaries are also up, leaving locals rattled.

“I’ve lived here for years,” said 67-year-old Thomas Kurilla.

“It got really nice. It got gentrified and then it’s back to 1980s all over again.”

A resident leaving Jackson’s building — which was wrapped in crime scene tape hours after the murder — echoed those sentiments.

“It’s a scary time around Hell’s Kitchen. It’s unfortunate to see the direction it’s gone. I hope it gets better. This street used to be better,” he said, adding he was headed to Australia for vacation.

“It couldn’t be a better time.”