NEW YORK, NY - The suspected gunman in the murder of 15-year-old Jaden Pierre, who was fatally shot at a park in St. Albans, Queens, has been arrested.
New York Police Department (NYPD) Commissioner Jessica Tisch said 18-year-old Zahir Davis fled to Jamaica after the shooting and was taken into custody on Friday, April 24, when his return flight landed, according to CBS News. Davis has been charged with murder in connection with the death of Pierre.
Police named Davis a person of interest nearly a week after the April 16 shooting that took place on a basketball court in Roy Wilkins Park. They said he was affiliated with the BG4 gang, which operates in southeast Queens.
Investigators believe the shooting stemmed from an ongoing dispute between Davis and Pierre. Neighbors and elected officials gathered at a vigil for Pierre at the park on Monday, April 20. "We have failed you. Your son should be home," Public Advocate Jumaane Williams told the boy's family.
"I was feeling sad for him that it happened to him and his family. That really shouldn't happen to anyone," an 11-year-old at the vigil said.
New York Attorney General Letitia James urged the gunman to turn himself in during her remarks, adding that the NYPD knew who and where he was. Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that Davis has been charged with second-degree murder, first-degree gang assault, and weapons possession, FOX5 reported.
According to prosecutors, Pierre was among a large group of teenagers gathered for a water fight that had been advertised on social media. Authorities allege that during the gathering, a group of boys attacked Pierre, punching and kicking him while surrounding him.
As the assault continued, Davis allegedly approached, pulled a silver handgun from a bag, and shot Pierre once in the chest. Pierre collapsed and was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Davis was also arraigned on a separate complaint accusing him of threatening to shoot his ex-girlfriend days before the killing. Davis was ordered held without bail and is scheduled to return to court on April 29. If convicted, he faces up to 25 years to life in prison.
New York Police Department (NYPD) Commissioner Jessica Tisch said 18-year-old Zahir Davis fled to Jamaica after the shooting and was taken into custody on Friday, April 24, when his return flight landed, according to CBS News. Davis has been charged with murder in connection with the death of Pierre.
Police named Davis a person of interest nearly a week after the April 16 shooting that took place on a basketball court in Roy Wilkins Park. They said he was affiliated with the BG4 gang, which operates in southeast Queens.
Investigators believe the shooting stemmed from an ongoing dispute between Davis and Pierre. Neighbors and elected officials gathered at a vigil for Pierre at the park on Monday, April 20. "We have failed you. Your son should be home," Public Advocate Jumaane Williams told the boy's family.
"I was feeling sad for him that it happened to him and his family. That really shouldn't happen to anyone," an 11-year-old at the vigil said.
New York Attorney General Letitia James urged the gunman to turn himself in during her remarks, adding that the NYPD knew who and where he was. Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that Davis has been charged with second-degree murder, first-degree gang assault, and weapons possession, FOX5 reported.
According to prosecutors, Pierre was among a large group of teenagers gathered for a water fight that had been advertised on social media. Authorities allege that during the gathering, a group of boys attacked Pierre, punching and kicking him while surrounding him.
As the assault continued, Davis allegedly approached, pulled a silver handgun from a bag, and shot Pierre once in the chest. Pierre collapsed and was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Davis was also arraigned on a separate complaint accusing him of threatening to shoot his ex-girlfriend days before the killing. Davis was ordered held without bail and is scheduled to return to court on April 29. If convicted, he faces up to 25 years to life in prison.
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