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15-year-old boy shot dead in Queens park. Here's the latest on the investigation.

By
Jeff Capellini
Digital Producer, CBS New York
Jeff Capellini has been digital producer at CBS New York for 20 years. He previously worked for The Associated Press and several newspapers.
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Jeff Capellini

/ CBS New York

Police are searching for a suspect following the shooting death of a 15-year-old boy in Queens on Thursday evening.

Here's what we know

The NYPD said the victim, identified as Jaden Pierre of Queens, suffered a gunshot wound to the chest just after 6:15 p.m. following a dispute on a basketball court in Roy Wilkins Park at Merrick and Baisley and boulevards in the St. Albans section.

The victim was rushed to Jamaica Hospital in critical condition, but later died.

Police have not yet made any arrests in the case. Friday, they released photos of an individual wanted in connection with the shooting.

Suspect in teen shooting death
Police are searching for a suspect following the shooting death of a 15-year-old boy in Queens on April 16, 2026. NYPD Crime Stoppers

New York Attorney General Letitia James took to social media to lament the gun violence.

"My heart is heavy tonight after we lost a 15-year-old to a senseless act of gun violence. I'm praying for his family, loved ones, and community. I will continue to work tirelessly every day to end gun violence in New York," James wrote.

Neighbors and local residents surprised by the gun violence

Neighbors told CBS News New York's Naomi Ruchim the area is normally a safe haven for young people.

"I thought it was an exercise because they have exercises over here a lot. I thought it was a police exercise," one witness said, referring to the NYPD's response.

"I came over here, I heard a shot go off, so I came running over here to make sure everybody was okay, especially my friends, and I seen a kid lying dead. And I know him from coming over here to play basketball. Good basketball player, cool kid," another witness said.

Community leaders said the victim went to Eagle Academy, just down the street.

"These are good kids. All kids are really good kids, but these are good kids. This should not be happening to this family tonight," said Eric Ford of Life Camp.

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. said Friday that Pierre's family just moved into the neighborhood. He called it a senseless and horrific tragedy. 

"We have work to do as a community," he said. "We have to give these young people an outlet, otherwise they're going to be in the park with mayhem."

Richards Jr. stressed the importance of expanding youth programs for after-school and in the summer. 

Anyone with any information is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). You can also submit a tip  or via DM on Twitter, . All calls are kept confidential.

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