April 10, 2026

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

A Maspeth man was charged this week with murder in the second degree, arson in the first degree and other crimes for killing four people in a March house fire in Flushing.

The defendant allegedly entered the home with matches and set trash on fire, which quickly engulfed the three-story building.

A 3-year-old child and three adults were killed in the blaze. Five additional occupants were hospitalized due to injuries sustained in the fire and two members of the FDNY were also injured when a staircase collapsed underneath them as they attempted to rescue people from the burning building.

This was an act of mass murder.

The 38-year-old defendant had no known connection to the building or its occupants and chose the location at random to set on fire.

I thank members of the FDNY who risked their lives rushing into danger and members of the NYPD and US Marshals Service for apprehending the defendant.



My top priority will always be keeping you and your loved ones safe.

In Friendship,

Melinda Katz

Queens District Attorney

Combating Deed Fraud

Deed fraud is an increasingly pervasive crime that strikes at the heart of homeownership and financial security. The most valuable asset a family has is their home and fraudsters are constantly devising new ways to steal that asset. These schemes often intersect with squatting and create prolonged legal battles that can leave rightful owners locked out of their own properties for years.

During a recent interview with Channel 2 News, I talked about our efforts to thwart those who steal homes and property using fraudulent paperwork.

Since 2022, our investigations have successfully returned 23 homes to the rightful owners, and more than two dozen offenders have been prosecuted for deed fraud.

If you have been a victim of deed fraud or squatting, reach out to us at 718-286-6673.

Information Wanted

If you have any information about the shooting death of James Minor, who was gunned down inside a Jamaica residence 13 years ago, please contact NYPD Crimestoppers by calling 800-577-TIPS, or through the online form.

It is never too late for justice.

Wellness Resource Fair

I had the pleasure of attending Council Member Shanel Thomas-Henry's recent resource fair to close out Women's History Month. The event connected neighborhood residents with information on childcare support, food assistance, health screenings and other community services.

These gatherings are a great way to empower women through community support. I was happy to speak with so many residents and share insights on the importance of Women's History Month and the work my office is doing to champion inclusive justice.

Keeping Seniors Safe From Scammers

Senior scams are on the rise, and it is critically important that we keep the public informed of new trends in crime. I joined our Elder Fraud Unit recently to talk to senior citizens at RAICES Astoria Older Adult Center on how they can avoid becoming a victim of fraud.

Scammers frequently use telephone calls to pressure people into sending money, disclosing important personal financial information or asking for payment via gift cards.

Always reach out to a trusted person you know in real life before you act and send money to anyone. If you believe you have been a victim of fraud, call us at 718-286-6673.

107th Precinct Community Council Meeting

It was an honor to speak at the 107th Precinct Community Council's recent meeting.

Our job is to make sure everyone who lives, works and visits Queens County is safe. We are working relentlessly to prosecute offenders while also providing a criminal justice system that is fair for all.

Join Us at the Library in Laurelton

Meeting Queens residents where they live and gather, the DA’s Mobile Office provides a perfect opportunity to get the answers you need.

Members of the DA's office meet with the public at area libraries, answer questions and provide information on available resources. The next stop for the Mobile Office is the Laurelton Library on April 23.