November 24, 2023

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I created the first cold case unit in Queens to pursue justice for homicide victims regardless of how much time has passed. My office works tirelessly to bring closure to grieving families and assure them they are not forgotten. That is what we are doing for the family of Priscilla Pimentel, a young woman found murdered the day after Thanksgiving in 2006. The NBC 4 New York I-Team this week reported on the case, interviewing Priscilla's mother, Nancy, for the story. Any parent’s worst nightmare is to survive a child. To lose a child to violence brings unimaginable pain. To not know who committed the crime compounds the suffering. DNA technology has vastly improved since Priscilla’s murder 17 years ago and we are hopeful that the advancements will produce leads we can act on to help us solve the case. Advances in technology enabled us last year to secure a guilty plea and long prison sentence for the murder of a World War I veteran who had been missing since 1976, as well as an indictment earlier this year in another other long-cold case. Just as we did not give up on those cases, we will keep working to get justice for Priscilla and her mother. My top priority will always be keeping you and your loved ones safe. In Friendship, Melinda Katz Queens District Attorney

Cold Case

If you have information regarding Priscilla Pimentel, killed in Richmond Hill 17 years ago, contact NYPD Crimestoppers by calling 800-577-TIPS, or through the online form. It is never too late for justice.

Cases of Interest

New Jersey man charged with insurance fraud in theft of $2.6 million Queens man pleads guilty to manslaughter in car crash that killed NYPD officer Brooklyn man sentenced for stealing widow's home by posing as her son

Babies and Toddlers Trauma Investigations Conference

The non-profit Babies and Toddlers, Inc. held its annual conference recently for members of the legal, healthcare and law enforcement fields. The conference provided training for professionals involved in investigations and prosecutions of harm to very young children. During the opening day program, I presented an Outstanding Investigator Award to Assistant District Attorney John Castellano, counsel to the District Attorney, (middle, below) for his successful argument before the state Court of Appeals on a leading case involving shaken baby syndrome. There is no greater responsibility than making sure that children are protected. Thank you to Dr. Jason Graham, chief medical examiner of New York City, (right, below) for hosting this important event.

Queens Symphony Orchestra Award

The Queens Symphony Orchestra celebrated its 70th anniversary this week, marking seven decades of bringing music and education to our communities. During the celebration, I was honored to accept the Legacy Award in memoriam of my late father, Maestro David Katz.  I am certain that my father would be thrilled and proud to see the Queens Symphony Orchestra 70 years into its existence, thriving and continuing to present captivating musical performances to the people of this borough.

Turkey Giveaways

My office sponsored a number of turkey giveaways over the past two weeks to provide families with the main ingredient for their Thanksgiving meals. Thank you to those who participated and co-sponsors Council Member Shekar Krishnan, the Southeast Queens Muslim Collective and Projects II Projects. I hope everyone had a safe and joyful holiday.