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NYPD Names Suspect in Killing of Queens Teen Jaden Pierre After Park Fight

Police have identified an 18-year-old they say is tied to a local gang, marking a shift in a case that has spurred fresh calls to curb youth violence.

Overview

  • Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said Tuesday that 18-year-old Zahir Davis is the suspected shooter and that detectives believe the killing was linked to a gang feud.
  • Jaden Pierre, 15, was shot in the chest after a fight on the Roy Wilkins Park basketball court on Thursday and later died at Jamaica Hospital.
  • Police released photos Friday of a person wanted in the case and are reviewing bystander videos and park surveillance while asking the public to call Crime Stoppers with tips.
  • Hundreds gathered at a Monday vigil where Attorney General Letitia James urged the suspect to surrender and Pierre’s parents spoke through tears about their loss.
  • Investigators say the fight followed a widely shared water-gun meetup that drew large groups, a type of teen “takeover” that officials warn can attract rival crews and turn violent.