QUEENS, N.Y. — A 16-year-old from St. Albans has been charged with second-degree murder for allegedly fatally shooting another teen in broad daylight after both exited an MTA bus in Jamaica on March 26, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced Wednesday.
According to prosecutors, the defendant and 16-year-old Sincere Jazmin got off the Q83 bus near Liberty Avenue and 173rd Street around 2:20 p.m. when the masked defendant allegedly pulled out a firearm and shot Jazmin in the torso. The suspect fled the scene on foot.
Jazmin attempted to flee across Liberty Avenue but collapsed at a deli near 172nd Street. He was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Suspect fled state before surrendering to NYPD
Following the shooting, the defendant allegedly left New York and only returned this week. He surrendered to officers at the 103rd Precinct on Tuesday morning.
The teen was arraigned Tuesday before Queens Criminal Court Judge Glenda Hernandez on charges of second-degree murder and two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. He is due back in court today and faces up to 25 years to life in prison if convicted.
“This case is an example of the senseless gun violence that endangers public safety and takes the lives of too many of our children,” said District Attorney Katz.