November 15, 2024

My office secured a jury trial conviction this week for attempted murder in the first degree against a man who shot NYPD Detective Brett Boller in April 2023.

The rookie officer and his partner were on routine patrol in the Jamaica business district when they were flagged down for help because the defendant had assaulted a passenger on an MTA bus.

Rather than cooperate with the officers, the defendant took off. When Officer Boller caught up, the defendant shot him at point blank range. It is only because of extraordinary medical intervention that the officer, who was later promoted to detective, is alive today and this is not a tragic case of murder.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the bravery our law enforcement officers display daily, risking their lives to protect our communities.

With the guilty verdict, justice was served, and I thank my prosecutors and the members of the New York City Police Department who helped secure this trial conviction.

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

In Friendship,

Melinda Katz

Queens District Attorney

Cases of Interest

• We filed criminal charges against a man accused in the staging of an auto accident on the Belt Parkway during which the victim was cut off and her car deliberately hit. Anyone who may have been a victim of a staged crash is urged to contact the NYPD at 718-822-5403.
• A Far Rockaway man was sentenced to 24 years to life in prison for the shooting death of Uriah Richardson, a father of three gunned down in midday in Far Rockaway in 2021.

Information Wanted

If you have information regarding the death of Brahm Rishi Prasad, who was killed in Long Island City 14 years ago, contact NYPD Crimestoppers by calling 800-577-TIPS, or through the online form.

It is never too late for justice.

Combatting Gender-Based Violence

We had the distinct pleasure recently of hosting criminal justice officials from Tunisia, who traveled to the United States in partnership with the National Center for State Courts. This visit was a significant opportunity to share my office's expertise in investigating, prosecuting and managing cases of gender-based violence. The Tunisian officials spent several days in New York, gaining valuable insights into our strategies and best practices, before continuing their journey to Washington, D.C.

This collaboration underscores the importance of international partnerships in enhancing our approaches to domestic violence. By sharing knowledge and learning from one another, we can develop more effective strategies to combat this pervasive issue both locally and globally. 

Paying Tribute to Our Veterans

We must never forget the sacrifices made by our veterans in fighting for our freedom.

As we do every year, my office took the time to express our gratitude and appreciation for the men and women who have served during our Veterans Day Commemoration Ceremony in Elmhurst Park.

We can never repay the debt we owe to the heroic men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Let us continue to stand together in appreciation and action, honoring those who have answered the call to serve.

Supporting Our Local Library

My office proudly acknowledges the vital contributions of local libraries to our communities, especially with the recent announcement of a $1 million allocation to the Lefrak City Library, championed by Assembly Member Jeffrion Aubry.

This funding is not just a financial boost; it represents a commitment to fostering education, civic engagement, and public safety—values that align seamlessly with our office's mission of community-centered justice. 

Upcoming Mobile Office Dates

We had a great time hosting our mobile office this week at the Rosedale branch of the Queens Public Library.

Members of my staff will be on-site at the Central branch on Merrick Boulevard on Wednesday, November 20, from 2:30 p.m. until 4:30 p.m.

We will then travel to the Long Island City branch on Thursday, November 21, from 2:30 p.m. until 4:30 p.m.

Come learn about the service, programs and resources we offer!