NEW YORK CITY – Yesterday, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced a 151-count indictment against 33 alleged gang members in one of the largest gang takedowns in the history of the office. Five of the defendants face murder charges, including for the 2019 shooting death of 14-year-old Aamir Griffin and the 2020 slaying of Sean Vance. The indictment is the result of a nearly three-year investigation into gun and gang violence in and around Baisley Park Houses and nearby communities.
The blood feud between Southeast Queens street gangs Money World and rivals Local Trap Stars and Never Forget Loyalty lies at the heart of the conspiracy. Over 22 shootings, one fatal, have occurred since Griffin’s murder, with the feud fueled by social media and rap videos. Some 34 firearms have been recovered pursuant to search warrants and arrests.
The defendants, aged 17 to 40, were arraigned by Queens Supreme Court Justice Kenneth C. Holder and will return to court in May.