November 6, 2026

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Two men responsible for the senseless death of 10-year-old Justin Wallace in the Rockaways in 2021 have been sentenced to prison.

Ashram Lochan, 32, was sentenced last week to 19 years in prison, while his codefendant, 34-year-old Jovan Young, was sentenced to 24 years behind bars on October 23.

The shooting stemmed from an ongoing dispute between Lochan and his Edgemere neighbor over a shared driveway.

On June 5, 2021, Lochan directed Young to fire at the neighbor as the 29-year-old man went into his own home. Multiple bullets struck and injured the man and one bullet hit and killed Justin, who was standing at the entrance to the home.

Both defendants pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter in satisfaction of the indictments against them.

Using a gun to settle a dispute is as stupid and dangerous as it gets. We hope the sentencing of these two individuals brings some measure of closure to Justin's family and friends.

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



In Friendship,

Melinda Katz

Queens District Attorney

Cases of Interest

• A Franklin Square resident has been indicted for scheme to defraud and other crimes for allegedly swindling prospective renters out of more than $60,000. If convicted, the 35-year-old defendant faces up to seven years in prison.
• The estranged husband of a woman stabbed to death inside her Kew Gardens Hills apartment has been charged with murder. The defendant, 22, of Richmond Hill faces up to 25 years to life in prison, if convicted. The couple's 2-year-old son was in the home at the time of the homicide.

Information Wanted

If you have any information about the death of an unidentified woman, whose body was found floating in the Flushing River under Roosevelt Avenue near the Van Wyck Expressway 29 years ago, please contact NYPD Crimestoppers by calling 800-577-TIPS, or through the online form.

It is never too late for justice.

Veterans Day Tribute

Our annual Veterans Day observance ceremony took place yesterday to honor the courageous men and women who have served our country and dedicated their lives to protecting our rights and freedoms.

During our gathering at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Elmhurst Park we recognized Specialist E4 Angelo Alaimo, who served in the Army during the Vietnam War; Staff Sergeant Catalina Gaviria, who served in the Marine Corps during Operation Enduring Freedom – Global War on Terror; and retired Lieutenant Colonel Melissa Rosol, who works at the Queens DA's office and served in the Army during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

We also honored Army Staff Sgt. Angel Rampersad, who was killed in July while serving in Jordan.   

Thank you to Rep. Grace Meng, state Sen. Joseph Addabbo Jr. and Council Member Phil Wong for joining the observance.                                

Senior Appreciation Luncheon

We helped close out Senior Appreciation Month in October as a co-sponsor of a luncheon in honor of our elders. The event was organized by Assembly Member Clyde Vanel at the Robert Ross Johnson Family Life Center in Jamaica.

Senior citizens are the pillars of our communities who share their knowledge and guidance. They deserve every recognition. They also deserve to feel safe.

My office is committed to rooting out those who prey on our seniors. If you believe you've been victimized reach out to our Elder Fraud Unit at 718-286-6578.

Join Us at the Library

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

Members of the DA's office meet with the public at neighborhood libraries, answer questions and provide information on available resources. The next stop is November 12 at the Maspeth branch on Grand Avenue.