October 11, 2024

My office recently secured a murder conviction against a defendant for the 2010 killing of a transgender woman inside the victim's apartment in Glendale.

Upon a reversal of a prior conviction through no fault of the prosecutors, my office worked tirelessly to rebuild a compelling case against this individual once again and we successfully proved that he callously murdered a young woman 14 years ago.

The defendant now faces up to 25 years to life in prison at sentencing next month.

This case underscores the commitment of my office to seek justice for victims and their loved ones, no matter how much time passes.

Each conviction we secure is not merely a legal triumph; it embodies our deep support for those whose lives were violently interrupted and the enduring grief of their loved ones.

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

In Friendship,

Melinda Katz

Queens District Attorney

Cases of Interest

• Five defendants have been variously indicted on conspiracy, drug and gun charges following an 18-month-long undercover operation at Astoria Houses that resulted in the seizure of more than 750 Percocet and ecstasy pills and a large quantity of cocaine.
• A reputed gang member has been charged with the murder of a teenager outside a fast-food restaurant in Springfield Gardens on September 27.
• A Corona man pleaded guilty to sex trafficking charges for targeting and exploiting a migrant teenager into prostitution and paying her for sex.
• A Queens man has been convicted by a jury of murder and other charges for the November 2021 death of 29-year-old Jiaomei Zhou, whose body he carried from his apartment in Flushing to the building lobby before being interrupted by other residents.

Strengthening New York's Nation-Leading Gun Laws

I had the honor of joining Governor Kathy Hochul, former U.S. Representative Gabby Giffords and fellow government officials for the signing of package of bills strengthening state gun laws including one mandating that firearms dealers prominently display warnings at the point of sale. The warnings inform potential buyers that firearms can significantly increase the risk of suicide, lead to tragic outcomes during domestic disputes and result in unintentional deaths among children.

Gun violence does not discriminate; it affects families, friends and entire communities. These new protections represent a crucial step forward in our efforts to safeguard the lives of New Yorkers.

Information Wanted

Queens is the most diverse county in the nation and my office will make every effort to protect communities from hate crimes.

In collaboration with the NYPD and the 103rd Precinct, we are asking for any information regarding the below pictured individual. The person of interest is being sought in connection with a religious statue that was smashed with a concrete paver outside of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish on Parsons Boulevard in Jamaica.

Anyone with any information is urged to contact NYPD Crimestoppers.

Scooters Seizure Operations

Detectives from my office collaborated with the NYPD on three recent scooter removal initiatives in Queens Village, Woodhaven, Jamaica, South Ozone Park and Richmond Hill.

The joint operations resulted in the removal of 91 scooters, the vast majority of which were unregistered and parked illegally.

More than 800 scooters have been removed from Queens streets so far this year as part of our ongoing efforts. 

Deed Protection and Squatter Information

My office, in partnership with Assembly Member Nily Rozic, will present a Deed Protection and Squatter Information webinar on Tuesday, October 15, starting at 7:30 p.m.

Registration is required. RSVP for this online event by clicking here or on the flyer below.