August 4, 2023

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I had the pleasure of taking part in six National Night Out events on Tuesday. It was great to see so many families, children and seniors enjoying an evening of games, food, refreshments and music. I greeted participants at Rufus King, Rockaway Beach, Baisley Pond Park, O'Donohue Park, Flushing Meadows Corona Park and MacDonald Park. National Night Out has been an annual gathering throughout the United States on the first Tuesday in August for 40 years. The goal is to promote a partnership between the police and the communities they serve. Members of my office were present at all 17 events across the borough, where staffers passed out information on everything from how to report elder abuse and ways to avoid fraud, to the help available for victims of crimes and how to contact my Office of Immigrant Affairs. This annual event is an important and symbolic reminder that we must all be vigilant in the fight against crime. It is also a great opportunity for the people who live in the community to interact with police officers in a positive way. My top priority will always be keeping you and your loved ones safe. In Friendship, Melinda Katz Queens District Attorney

Selected Cases of Interest

Man arraigned in scooter shooting spree that left one dead and two others wounded in Queens Bronx woman charged with murder for high speed crash that killed passenger in Uber Queens man charged with murdering his mother and brother

Help Solve This Case

If you have information in the killing of Helen Brock, who was murdered 39 years ago, contact NYPD Crimestoppers by calling 800-577-TIPS, or through the online form. It is never too late for justice.

Street Renaming in Honor of Sylvia Weprin

For the dedication of Sylvia Weprin Way, I joined the Weprin family and a host of elected officials, including Sen. Charles Schumer, Reps. Gregory Meeks and Grace Meng, state Attorney General Letitia James, state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli. Borough President Donovan Richards, state Senators Toby Ann Stavisky and John Liu, and Assembly Members Edward Braunstein and Alicia Hyndman. Sylvia, a retired teacher, was a member of Community Board 8 and a board member of the Queens Symphony Orchestra and Queens Botanical Garden. I consider myself lucky to be lucky to have known Sylvia. As the matriarch of the Weprin family, married to the late Saul Weprin, the former state Assembly Speaker, she instilled the importance of public service and putting the needs of others ahead of one’s own. Her sons, Assembly Member David Weprin, former City Council Member Mark Weprin and Barry Weprin, were on hand for the street renaming—which took place just around the corner from Saul Weprin Street, named for their father.

QDA Chief Naiburg at Police Academy

Chief Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Naiburg visited with recent graduates of the NYPD Police Academy. Chief Naiburg introduced the office to the city's newest officers.

Youth Center Grand Opening

I was happy to attend Wednesday's ribbon cutting celebration for Chazaq's new youth center in Forest Hills, joined by Rep. Grace Meng, and from left, Sam Berger; Chazaq founder and director Yaniv Meirov; Public Advocate Jumaane Williams; and City Council Member James Gennaro.

Introduction to Criminal Justice System

Executive Assistant District Attorney for Community Partnerships Colleen Babb met with summer interns at City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams’ office to talk about the prosecution’s role in the criminal justice system and the importance of fostering community partnerships to enhance public safety. Government works best when we all work together. I am proud of the relationships my office has built.