February 20, 2026

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

My office announced the indictment of a 22-year-old Briarwood man on charges of attempted assault and criminal possession of a weapon after he allegedly tried to attack a police officer while holding a large kitchen knife.

The young man ignored commands from the officer to drop the weapon and pushed through a door the police officer used to shield himself. The officer then shot the defendant four times.

As prosecutors, we are duty-bound to follow the facts, evidence and circumstances where they lead us, including in cases that have a mental health component. These decisions, however, must be thoughtful, deliberate and based on the expertise of mental health professionals.

Dispositions can take vastly different forms, and I will use the resources of my office to address the unique needs in this case while upholding my responsibility to keep this borough safe and get defendants help with mental health should that be warranted.

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

In Friendship,

Melinda Katz

Queens District Attorney

Cases of Interest

• Nine defendants pleaded guilty to stealing thousands of dollars in COVID-19 relief funds by submitting applications on behalf of fake and defunct companies. The defendants exploited disaster funds meant to help the truly needy during an unprecedent global pandemic. All nine have agreed to pay a total of $1 million in restitution.
• A defendant was extradited from Korea to face justice in a 24-year-old homicide case. He was indicted on murder, attempted murder and other charges for the 2002 stabbing attacks on two 22-year-old men. One of the victims died, while the other was seriously injured but survived.
• An Astoria man was sentenced to 25 years in prison for shoving his 64-year-old mother from a third floor window after beating her with her cane and threatening her with two knives. The defendant, 37, was convicted at trial of attempted murder, criminal possession of a weapon and other crimes.
• A defendant was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison after being convicted of a cold case 1992 homicide. The Virginia man was found guilty of murder in the second degree at trial for the strangulation death of a 15-year-old girl in Far Rockaway. New DNA testing led to the defendant's apprehension.

Information Wanted

If you have any information about a male child between the ages of 3 and 5 whose body was found wrapped in a Disney blanket at 110th Street in Far Rockaway 21 years ago, please contact NYPD Crimestoppers by calling 800-577-TIPS, or through the online form.

It is never too late for justice.

Lunar New Year Celebration

I had the pleasure of speaking at the Lunar New Year event hosted by Council Member Sandra Ung this past week. The festive celebration was held at the Tangram Mall in Flushing and included cultural performances and honors given to local community leaders.

Lunar New Year festivities are among the most vibrant and spectacular cultural celebrations in Queens. This event relayed a message of unity, peace and hope for the future.

St. John's School of Law Honor

I was honored to receive a Distinguished Service Award for Excellence in Public Service from my alma mater.

St. John's School of Law is my home. I am humbled by this acknowledgement of my public service and thank Dean Jelani Jefferson Exum, who presented me and the other honorees with this award.

I am especially proud to say that several of our newest Assistant District Attorneys are also St. John's School of Law alumni. They are smart, committed and driven by the same values that were instilled in me when I was a student.

A Visit to Howard Beach

Meeting with residents in their neighborhoods is an important way to hear their concerns and share news from my office. I was happy to attend the regular weekly meeting of the Howard Beach Kiwanis Club to provide updates about our accomplishments last year and our goals for 2026.

I then stopped by the Community Board 10 meeting in Howard Beach to talk about our work. We are constantly striving to make Queens County safer for all those who live, work and play in our borough.

Join Us at the Lefferts Library

Meeting Queens neighbors where they live and play, the DA's Mobile Office makes stops at various community libraries and are a perfect opportunity to get the answers you need.