October 16, 2026

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

This week my office charged a Flushing driver with manslaughter in the death of a 1-year-old who was being pushed in a stroller on 32nd Avenue in Linden Hill when he was struck and killed.

The heartbreaking loss of this baby was completely avoidable. As alleged, the defendant got behind the wheel of his pickup truck on a Sunday morning while impaired by both cocaine and THC. He then recklessly ran a stop sign, accelerated through the intersection and plowed into the boy who was being pushed by his nanny. 

Tragically, innocent victims are killed every day due to drugged and reckless driving, and my office will aggressively seek justice for Justin Hu and his family.

The 57-year-old defendant was charged with manslaughter in the second degree, vehicular manslaughter in the second degree, assault in the second degree, operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol/drugs and other crimes. The defendant faces between five and 15 years in prison, if convicted.

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



In Friendship,

Melinda Katz

Queens District Attorney

Cases of Interest

• Two Edgemere residents pleaded guilty to manslaughter for the 2021 death of a 10-year-old boy. A dispute over a shared driveway led to shots fired into the entrance of a house, which killed the child and injured his cousin.
• A 17-year-old Far Rockaway resident has been charged with murder and weapon possession for shooting and killing a 14-year-old boy at the Ocean Bay Apartments last month. The male defendant faces up to 25 years to life in prison, if convicted.
• Five people have been indicted for allegedly running a phony real estate investment scheme that swindled nearly $3 million from victims.
• DA Katz sent a warning to members of the Chinese community about bad actors impersonating Chinese police officers in an effort to scam cash from victims. The culprits threaten victims and force them to wire thousands of dollars into accounts controlled by the con artists.

Information Wanted

Helen Brock was shot and killed in a home invasion homicide 42 years ago. If you have any information about the crime, which occurred inside a residence on 220th Street in Bayside, please contact NYPD Crimestoppers by calling 800-577-TIPS, or through the online form.

It is never too late for justice.

Community Coffee Catch-Up

It was great to see so many people come out for a Community Coffee Catch-Up sponsored by The Campaign Against Hunger at the Beach Dunes Eats & Arts Cafe in Edgemere.

I am always eager to talk about my office’s programs that provide our youth with services and opportunities to help them find future success.

Senior Luncheon to Honor Assembly Member Vivian Cook

The Rochdale Village Senior Center hosted a luncheon to honor Assembly Member Vivian Cook on the eve of her retirement. This was a much-deserved tribute to one of the longest-serving members of the chamber and the first black woman to represent District 32.

I paid tribute to a colleague who has made a significant impact on the community and leaves it better than when she first took office in 1991.

You're Invited to Visit the QDA Mobile Office

Meeting Queens residents where they live, the DA’s Mobile Office provides an opportunity for residents to get the answers they need within the comfort of their neighborhoods. Our most recent stop was at the Cambria Heights library branch, where QDA staff shared information about services and resources.

We look forward to meeting more neighbors at the next stop on October 22 at the Hunters Point library in Long Island City.

Gun Buyback Event

Help us make Queens safer for everyone. We are hosting a no-questions-asked Gun Buyback event at Majority Baptist Church in Jamaica on October 24. For every working firearm surrendered, receive a bank card pre-loaded with up to $500.

Every firearm removed from the streets of Queens is a potential life saved.

Join Us in Observance of Our Veterans

You're invited to join District Attorney Katz on November 5 for our annual Veterans Day Observance Ceremony as we pay tribute to those who have served and sacrificed for our nation.