What happened: Jaden Pierre, 15, was shot in the chest at Roy Wilkins Park in Queens on April 16 and later died at Jamaica Hospital. Evidence: Video shared on X by former Mayor Eric Adams appears to show a confrontation followed by a point-blank shooting. Investigation: The NYPD has released photos of a person of interest but, as of April 19, no arrests have been made and the motive remains unknown. Authorities ask anyone with information to call 1-800-577-TIPS.
15-Year-Old Fatally Shot at Queens Playground; Viral Video Prompts NYPD Hunt for Suspect
Jaden Pierre.Credit: Facebook
A 15-year-old boy, identified as Jaden Pierre, was fatally shot at Roy Wilkins Park in Queens on the evening of April 16. The New York City Police Department says the incident occurred at approximately 6:15 p.m. on a basketball court where a confrontation escalated into gunfire.
The suspect police believe shot Jaden Pierre.Credit: DCPI
Incident details: Authorities report Pierre suffered a gunshot wound to the chest during a fight and was rushed to Jamaica Hospital in critical condition, where he later died. As of April 19, no arrests have been made and no formal motive has been released.
Police at the park where Jaden Pierre was shot.Credit: ABC7NY
Suspect information and video evidence: The NYPD has released images of a person of interest — described as a young male with short dreadlocks, wearing a light-gray printed tracksuit and carrying a black backpack. A video of the incident, shared on X by former New York City Mayor Eric Adams, appears to show a group confronting Pierre on the court and an individual firing a shot at close range.
"I came over here, I heard a shot go off, so I came running over here to make sure everybody was okay... and I saw a kid lying dead," a witness told CBS News. "I know him from coming over here to play basketball. Good basketball player, cool kid."
Official responses and next steps: New York Attorney General Letitia James called the killing a "senseless act of gun violence," offering condolences and pledging continued efforts to reduce gun violence. The NYPD is urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). The department did not immediately respond to media requests for further comment on April 19.
The investigation remains active. Authorities are reviewing video and witness accounts as they work to identify and locate the person pictured in released images.
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