Masseur Arrested for Murder of NYC Gay Nightclub Operator

A man has been arrested for the January 4 murder of gay nightclub operator Savyon "Big Ben" Zabar. The suspect, a 23-year-old massage therapist, has been charged with second-degree murder.

Daquan King was arrested Friday for allegedly strangling Zabar, 54, the former operator of the now defunct Manhattan gay club Esquelita, which was popular with gay latinos and their admirers. DNAInfo reports that King told detectives that he acted in self-defense by strangling the 400-pound Zabar after he allegedly made unwelcome sexual advances towards him.

DNAInfo reported that King, who claims not to be gay, said that when he refused to indulge Zabar's advances, the former nightlife big shot became enraged and began to choke him. King said he pushed back and strangled Zabar, accidentally killing him, sources said.

A report by PIX11 News paints a different picture of the relationship between King and Zabar. According to PIX11's sources, King was employed by Zabar twice a week and also allegedly had a sexual relationship with him.

Initially, Zabar's death was suspicious because of his weight - 400 pounds - which hindered the discovery of his strangulation. Two days after his death, it was ruled a homicide.