March 13, 2026

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

This week, we announced the indictment of four reputed members and associates of the 007 gang on charges of murder, conspiracy and criminal possession of a weapon for their alleged roles in the fatal shooting of 16-year-old Claudia Quatey in St. Albans.

According to the charges, the defendants were targeting a rival gang member when they opened fire in May 2023.

The young victim, who had no known connection to the dispute, was seated in a vehicle directly behind the intended target when she was struck in the head and killed.

Tragic incidents like this are a stark reminder of the devastating toll that gang activity takes on our communities. Gang violence terrorizes neighborhoods, endangers innocent people, and leaves lasting trauma for families.

My office is committed to holding the defendants accountable for this senseless tragedy. We will continue working closely with our law enforcement partners to dismantle gangs and stop the violence they bring to our borough.

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

In Friendship,

Melinda Katz

Queens District Attorney

Cases of Interest

• A Farmingdale man was arraigned on indictment charges of aggravated vehicular homicide and other crimes for a December 2025 collision during a snowstorm that seriously injured a 63-year-old man who later died. The incident took place near the Long Island Expressway in Suffolk County. The Queens DA’s office was named special prosecutor for the case.
• A Maspeth man was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison for fatally stabbing 55-year-old Freddy Jimenez during an argument at a Woodside bus stop in September 2022. The defendant was convicted by a jury in January of multiple charges connected to the deadly incident.

Information Wanted

If you have any information about the murder of Marisha Cheong, whose body was found on the shoreline of Rockaway Boulevard in Breezy Point 13 years ago, please contact NYPD Crimestoppers by calling 800-577-TIPS, or through the online form.

It is never too late for justice.

St. Patrick's Day Parade in the Rockaways

I had the honor of walking in the 51st annual St. Patrick's Day Parade in the Rockaways last weekend. It was a pleasure meeting with friends and families on this festive occasion that celebrates the rich culture and traditions of Irish Americans.

When we come together as neighbors, we build trust that helps keep our communities safe. My office will always work to protect and serve every corner of Queens.

YPO Women's Business Network

It was a pleasure to deliver opening remarks at a panel discussion hosted by the YPO Women’s Business Network recently on the theme “Women’s Day 2026: Balance the Scales.”

The Women’s Business Network brings together women executives and leaders to support one another through mentorship, dialogue and professional growth.

As women continue to break barriers across industries, conversations like these help inspire the next generation of leaders to keep pushing forward and expanding opportunities for others.

Community Board 14 Meeting

Meeting with residents in their neighborhoods is an important way to hear their concerns and share updates from my office.

I was glad to attend the March meeting of Community Board 14 which took place at the Knights of Columbus in Rockaway Beach.

Protecting Our Seniors

The Elder Fraud Unit in my office routinely goes out into the communities to speak about scams and con artists. I attended the recent presentation at the Kew Gardens Community House last week.

We want to keep the people of Queens safe, including our elders who are the heartbeat of our communities. Schemers target seniors with a variety of scams. The key to protecting yourself is to recognize the signs -- strangers asking for money, a phone caller pressuring you to send money, payments that are required in cash or gift cards and urgent requests for personal information.

If you believe you've been victim of fraud, reach out to our office at (718) 286-6673. We're here to help.

Join Us at the Middle Village Library

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

During a recent stop at the McGoldrick Library, members of the DA's staff met with the public, answered questions and provided information about available resources.

The next stop for the Mobile Office is the Middle Village Library on March 25.

Women's History Month

On Thursday, March 26, please join us as we commemorate Women's History Month and highlight the accomplishments of local leaders who have added to the rich culture of Queens County.

The event will take place at the Helen Marshall Cultural Center at Borough Hall.

Registration is required. RSVP by clicking here.