August 7, 2026

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

This week we joined our neighbors throughout Queens to celebrate National Night Out, an annual event dedicated to enhancing community partnerships between law enforcement and residents.

I myself stopped at five precincts and my office attended all 18 NNO locations in Queens. We are in constant pursuit of fostering trust between law enforcement and the community.

Thank you to everyone who organized and attended these events for their commitment to keeping Queens safe.

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



In Friendship,

Melinda Katz

Queens District Attorney

Cases of Interest

• A Flushing man was sentenced to 23 years in prison for the execution-style shooting death of a 29-year-old victim he argued with in front of a Corona deli in 2021. The defendant, 27, pleaded guilty to manslaughter.
• A 25-year-old Georgia man has been charged with murder in the first degree for shooting a stranger on a Corona street in March. The defendant allegedly entered into a contract with a third party to kill the 37-year-old for $20,000.
• An unlicensed doctor who pleaded guilty to manslaughter was sentenced to five to 15 years in prison for killing a 31-year-old woman during a botched medical procedure in his Astoria apartment in March 2025.
• A 22-year-old Fresh Meadows man was arraigned on hate crime charges for destroying property in May outside of a kosher bagel store on Union Turnpike in Fresh Meadows that displayed Israeli flags. 
• A 42-year-old man who allegedly chased a woman with a hammer and shoved an 8-year-old boy into a fence has been charged with assault and criminal possession of a weapon for the July 28 incident.

Information Wanted

If you have any information about the murder of Michilene DiGirolomo, who was shot and killed around 3:30 a.m. on 160th Street nearly 15 years ago, please contact NYPD Crimestoppers by calling 800-577-TIPS, or through the online form.

It is never too late for justice.

NAVA's Annual Dinner Dance

I had the pleasure of attending the New American Voters Association's (NAVA) 19th Annual Dinner Dance to celebrate America's 250th Anniversary. The event also honored several city leaders for their contributions to strengthen and empower new American communities.

NAVA has been a consistent and leading advocate for increased civic engagement, particularly among first-generation Americans.

Public Safety With the Community in Mind

When I took office in January 2020, I immediately sought to re-imagine the relationship between the prosecutor’s office and the residents of Queens County by being an integral part of the community.

Through numerous initiatives — including the creation of the Community Partnerships Division, the Youth Empowerment Unit, and the distribution of Violence Prevention and Youth Development Grants — this office works collaboratively across neighborhoods to create and realize a sustainable future for Queens.

The map below shows the locations of community engagement events that our office has organized and participated in since 2020. 

Learn more about our community-focused approach to prosecution by clicking here.

You're Invited to Visit the QDA Mobile Office

Meeting Queens residents where they live and gather, the DA’s Mobile Office provides local residents a chance to get the answers they 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 is on August 12 at the Richmond Hill branch.

Helping Merchants Tackle Retail Theft

My office is committed to protecting our local businesses, workers and communities. 

I created the Queens Merchants Business Improvement Program to help shop owners work with law enforcement to thwart disruptive individuals from harassing workers and customers, as well as to prevent repeat shoplifting. For more information, see below.