June 19, 2026

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

A Fresh Meadows man was arraigned this week on indictment charges of manslaughter, assault, reckless driving and other crimes for the death of a pedestrian killed on Francis Lewis Boulevard in May.

According to the charges, the defendant drove more than 40 miles above the posted speed limit. He allegedly ran two red lights and slammed into one vehicle before hitting the rear of another car. That vehicle was propelled into a crosswalk where it struck a married couple.

The 71-year-old female victim sustained severe head trauma and succumbed to her injuries. Her husband suffered a shoulder injury, lacerations to his hands and bruising to his face.

After the crash, the defendant allegedly tried to flee the scene to escape responsibility. Good Samaritans detained him and he will now be held to account for his actions.

Traffic laws exist to protect every motorist, pedestrian and bicyclist, who travels on our shared roadways. As alleged, the 22-year-old defendant chose to flout those laws.

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

In Friendship,

Melinda Katz

Queens District Attorney

Cases of Interest

• An East Elmhurst teen was indicted on attempted murder, assault and other charges for the unprovoked attack of a 29-year-old woman as she walked to a bus stop in March. The defendant allegedly grabbed the woman from behind and stabbed her repeatedly without saying a word.
• A 15-year-old from Edgemere, who allegedly fired shots at police officers in an unmarked vehicle, has been charged with attempted murder, attempted assault, weapon possession and other crimes.
• A defendant who lacked a medical license pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the death of a 31-year-old woman who suffered cardiac arrest in a makeshift surgical clinic set up in his apartment in March 2025. The defendant attempted to flee the country after the botched surgical procedure. 

Information Wanted

If you have any information about the murders of Rose Gilbert and John Dalton, who were both stabbed and beaten to death inside an apartment on 47th Avenue in Sunnyside 21 years ago, please contact NYPD Crimestoppers by calling 800-577-TIPS, or through the online form.

It is never too late for justice.

Combating Hate Crimes

I joined fellow District Attorneys Eric Gonzalez and Michael McMahon this week for a panel discussion on combating hate crimes in New York City at the annual ADL New York/New Jersey meeting.

My office has a dedicated Hate Crimes Bureau staffed with veteran prosecutors who work tirelessly investigating and prosecuting those who victimize others because of their own prejudices. We also educate residents on their rights and how to protect themselves from bias-motivated crimes. If you believe you've been the victim of a hate crime, call 718-286-7010.

Fraud Prevention Gathering at Astoria Church

I visited the St. George Coptic Orthodox Church of Astoria on Sunday for a presentation on how to avoid scammers and con artists.

Anyone can fall victim to a scam. It's important to protect yourself by knowing the signs -- a stranger demanding cash, a caller pressuring you to send money or gift cards and requests for personal information or your financial data. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it's likely a scam.

Flag Day Celebration

Flag Day commemorates the official adoption of our stars and stripes on June 14, 1777.

It is always an honor to participate in the annual Flag Day celebration hosted by our friends at the Forest Hills Garden Corporation. I am grateful for the opportunity to pay tribute to our flag and all it means to America -- our freedoms, the rights we enjoy and so much more.

South Asian Indo-Caribbean Advisory Council Meeting

The most important asset for many families is their home. At a recent meeting of my South Asian Indo-Caribbean Advisory Council, we had an in-depth conversation on deed theft, squatters, frauds and scams.

One of the easiest ways to help safeguard your property from deed theft is to register with ACRIS. After registering, the city's Department of Finance will alert you if there is a new deed or document filed. If you believe you've been the victim of deed fraud, contact our Housing, Worker and Consumer Protection Bureau at 718-286-6673.

QDA Mobile Office is Coming to Corona

Meeting Queens residents where they live and gather, the DA’s Mobile Office provides a perfect opportunity to get the answers you 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 the Langston Hughes branch in Corona on June 25.