AG Tisch urges suspect in Queens teen murder to turn themselves in, stating authorities have identified them.
On April 20, 2026, the New York Police Department (NYPD) announced that they have identified the shooter involved in the fatal shooting of 15-year-old Jaden Pierre at Roy Wilkins Park in Queens. This development came to light during a vigil held by New York Attorney General Letitia James, who gathered with family, friends, and an outpouring of community support to honor the young victim.
At the vigil, Attorney General James was joined by Pierre’s family, friends, and numerous mourners, all gathered to remember the teenager who was tragically shot in the chest during what witnesses describe as an altercation. The shooting allegedly occurred during a water-balloon fight that had been organized via social media, with details of the subsequent confrontation remaining unclear. James made an emotional appeal for the shooter to turn themselves in, stating that law enforcement is already aware of their identity and location. She emphasized the need for justice and urged the suspect to surrender promptly.
The vigil attracted a large crowd, including classmates and activists from Pierre’s school, Eagle Academy of Southeast Queens. Mourners carried white balloons and chanted the name of the slain teen in a poignant act of remembrance. Pierre was described by family members as a bright young man looking forward to his first job through the city’s Summer Youth Employment Program, a milestone he was reportedly enthusiastic about.
Video footage shared by Mayor Eric Adams captured the chaotic moments leading up to the shooting, showing Pierre being assaulted by a group of older teens. As adversarial tensions escalated, one individual in the group drew a firearm and shot Pierre at close range, an act that plunged the community into shock and grief.
Family members expressed outrage and despair at the circumstances of Pierre’s untimely death. His father, Gardy Pierre, and cousin, Ramel Jones, both voiced their calls for justice, with Jones urging the perpetrator to take responsibility for their actions. His older sister, Nellie Pierre, criticized bystanders who filmed the incident but failed to intervene.
The investigation remains ongoing as the NYPD works diligently to bring the responsible party to justice. The community continues to mourn the loss of a promising youth who, like so many others, fell victim to senseless violence. Media News Source will provide updates as new information becomes available.
