Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz has announced charges against several individuals involved in the death of Jaden Pierre, a teenager killed during a social media-advertised “water fight” at Roy Wilkins Park in St. Albans.
The incident, which occurred in April 2026, began as a physical confrontation before escalating into a fatal shooting.
The Details of the Case
- The Assault: Prosecutors allege that a group of youngsters surrounded Pierre, punching and kicking him in a coordinated gang assault.
- The Shooting: While the victim was being beaten, 18-year-old Zahir Davis allegedly produced a silver handgun and shot Pierre once in the chest.
- The Flight: Following the shooting, Davis reportedly fled to Jamaica (the Caribbean nation) but eventually returned and surrendered to the NYPD.
Legal Actions & Charges
| Suspect | Top Charges |
| Zahir Davis (18) | Second-degree murder, Gang assault, Criminal possession of a weapon. |
| Unnamed Teen (16) | Second-degree gang assault (charged for the physical beating). |
Outcome
Jaden Pierre, a student at Eagle Academy, was pronounced dead at Jamaica Hospital shortly after the attack.
DA Melinda Katz emphasized the senselessness of the violence, noting that a community event meant for recreation was destroyed by gang-related aggression. Davis is currently being held without bail and faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison if convicted.
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