March 6, 2026

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

This week, a Glendale resident was sentenced to 17 years in prison for an unprovoked attack on a 9-year-old girl, who was playing outside in her Glendale neighborhood in May 2025. The defendant struck the child with an open hand and with so much force the child was knocked to the ground.

When an off-duty police sergeant intervened, the defendant retaliated by biting the man in the knee, hand and finger -- severing the top segment of the victim's right index finger. Doctors were unable to re-attach the tip of the police sergeant's digit.

This type of senseless violence, especially against a child and a member of law enforcement, will not be tolerated.

The 32-year-old defendant pleaded guilty in January to assault in the first, second and third degrees, attempted assault in the second degree and endangering the welfare of a child. After his release from prison, the man will have five years of post-release supervision.

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

In Friendship,

Melinda Katz

Queens District Attorney

Cases of Interest

• A St. Albans resident was sentenced to up to 14 years in prison for trafficking a 14-year-old girl and for illegally possessing a weapon. The defendant forced the victim to engage in sex acts for cash and during a court-authorized search of the man's home police found two loaded firearms. The 41-year-old defendant pleaded guilty to the charges last year.
• A 31-year-old Long Island man was arraigned on charges of manslaughter, driving under the influence, weapon possession and other crimes for a February 2025 crash that resulted in the death of his 27-year-old passenger. He was allegedly driving at 115 mph prior to the February 2025 collision.
• A defendant has been charged with assault in the first degree and other crimes for violent attacks on two victims in Astoria. The 36-year-old Woodside man argued with an individual then allegedly pulled out a sharp object and swung at the victim, slashing the man's jacket and sleeve. The defendant then allegedly slashed a woman across her face.
• An Astoria resident was charged with murder and illegal weapon possession for allegedly stabbing to death a 75-year-old neighbor. The defendant, 48, allegedly ambushed the elderly man as he walked into his apartment building, punched him and then grabbed a sharp object from inside his own home and stabbed him repeatedly.

Information Wanted

If you have any information about the death of Madeline DeFilippi, who was found dead in her Burns Street home in Forest Hills 53 years ago, please contact NYPD Crimestoppers by calling 800-577-TIPS, or through the online form.

It is never too late for justice.

St. Pat's For All Parade

It is always a good time gathering with friends and family to march in the St. Pat's for All Parade in Sunnyside. This was the 27th year for this festive parade that celebrates the diversity of the Irish American community in New York.

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.

Ramadan Events

It was an honor to attend two Ramadan events during this holy time of prayer, fasting and community. I joined TBN-24 for its function at the World's Fair Marina and also took part in the NYPD's Desi Society Ramadan gathering at Joya Hall in Rego Park.

Gathering with community members to break fast is a powerful reminder of the strength and unity that defines this borough. I wish our Muslim neighbors a peaceful and blessed Ramadan.

International Women's Day Dinner

It was a pleasure to join the International Women's Day celebration at the Queens Museum this week, sponsored by the Queens Borough President Donovan Richards' office.

As Queens County's first female district attorney, I spoke to the gathering about experiences with the extraordinary women I've worked with over the years. As women in power, we have a deep sense of responsibility to uplift those around us, but also an obligation to push forward the next generation of great women leaders.

Congressman Meeks' Clergy And Community Breakfast

Joining other elected officials at Congressman Gregory Meeks' Clergy and Community Breakfast, I had the opportunity to update residents about the work we are doing, including some standout accomplishments from 2025 and our goals for 2026.

We are getting illegal guns -- including ghost guns -- off our streets. Our investigations have resulted in the arrests and prosecution of dozens of reputed gang members responsible for gun violence and chaos. The DA's office is committed to ending sex trafficking, targeting drivers of crime and working with the community including our faith leaders to keep everyone who lives, works and visits Queens safe.

Join Us at the Middle Village Library

Meeting Queens neighbors where they live and play, the DA's Mobile Office visits to various community libraries are a perfect opportunity to get the answers you need.