August 30, 2024

My office recently secured a grand jury indictment on manslaughter, reckless driving and other charges against a driver accused of killing a 67-year-old pedestrian in 2019.

The defendant was allegedly speeding at nearly three times the posted speed limit when he struck and killed the victim, a father of four who was leaving a Christmas Day dinner at his son’s house.

Rather than stop the vehicle and render aid, the defendant allegedly continued speeding through a busy intersection and later fled the country on a one-way ticket to Guyana.

My office and our police partners never give up on cases. We worked closely with the U.S. Marshals to locate the defendant and return him to New York to face the serious charges against him, nearly five years after the fatal crash.

Last year, I formed a dedicated Vehicular Homicide Unit to not only investigate current cases but to examine older ones in which no arrest had been made. The unit furthers my mission of making sure that every driver who endangers others on our roadways is held accountable.

We will continue to prioritize cases of vehicular crimes to seek justice for the victims of reckless, negligent and unlicensed drivers.

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

In Friendship,

Melinda Katz

Queens District Attorney

Cases of Interest

• A Queens man was arraigned on murder and other grand jury indictment charges for allegedly beating a 39-year-old to death with a chair while the victim was on the ground.
• A Flushing man was arraigned on charges of grand larceny and burglary for stealing a safe containing a Torah scroll from a Far Rockaway yeshiva in May.
• An Edgemere man was indicted for first-degree attempted murder and other crimes for allegedly firing at two NYPD officers as they pursued him in July. The officers were responding to a call of shots fired in the area.

If you have information regarding the death of Neshawn Plummer, shot and killed in Far Rockaway nine years ago, contact NYPD Crimestoppers by calling 800-577-TIPS, or through the online form.

It is never too late for justice.

Deed Protection and Squatters Information Webinar

My office, in partnership with Assembly Member Stacey Pheffer Amato, hosted an informative webinar this week on ways in which homeowners can protect their properties from fraud, theft and criminal trespass. You can watch it by clicking on the arrow below.

Remember, it is neither legal nor acceptable to enter someone's home illegally, without the knowledge or consent of the rightful owner, and claim you have a right to stay. Such cases will be prosecuted in this borough.

If you need help, or more information on fraud prevention tips, reach out to my Housing and Worker Protection Bureau via HousingWorkerProtection@queensda.org or 718-286-6673.

Back-to-School Supplies

My office participated in a number of back-to-school giveaways recently to make sure that our students have the tools to start their new academic year on the right note.

I'd like to thank our partners - the NYPD, Council Member Lynn Schulman, Congresswoman Grace Meng and BHALO, Inc., a non-profit organization based in Jamaica - for hosting these important events for Queens communities.

Community Outreach

Our next mobile office event will take place at the Queens Public Library in Douglaston/Little Neck.

Join us on September 4 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. and learn about the services, programs and resources we offer.