QUEENS, NY – Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz has announced the arraignment of Dante Hunter and Shamel Capers following their indictment in connection with the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Joshua Taylor in Middle Village on July 23, 2023. Hunter is charged with murder, and Capers with attempted murder, among other charges.
The incident, which unfolded in the early hours of July 23 last year, began when a friend of Taylor’s threw a drink towards Capers and a friend outside a convenience store, sparking a verbal dispute that escalated into a shootout. Hunter, who joined Capers, is alleged to have fired the round that killed Taylor. The exchange of gunfire resulted in more than two dozen 9 mm shell casings recovered at the scene.
Hunter, 25, of Far Rockaway, faces charges including second-degree murder and criminal possession of a weapon. Capers, 24, of Brooklyn, faces charges of attempted murder and weapon possession. Both defendants could face up to 25 years to life if convicted of their respective top charges.
The investigation was spearheaded by Detective Christopher Gerardi of the NYPD’s 104th Precinct Detective Squad and Detective Lizabeth Klein of the Queens North Homicide Squad. Capers was arrested on May 16 in New Jersey and has been extradited to New York to face charges, while Hunter was already in custody on a parole warrant at the time of the indictment. Justice Michael Aloise has scheduled their next court appearance for June 18.
- Police search for missing 16-year-old girl last seen in Brooklyn
BROOKLYN, N.Y. — The NYPD is asking for the public’s assistance in locating 16-year-old Brittany Paredes Carrillo, who was last seen leaving her Brooklyn residence just after midnight on Sunday, June 22.
Paredes Carrillo is described as a Hispanic female, approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing about 80 pounds. She was last seen wearing a white hooded sweatshirt, black t-shirt, black pants, and white and black sneakers.
Teen last seen leaving home around midnight
Police have not released the exact address where she was last seen but are continuing their investigation into her whereabouts. No foul play has been reported at this time.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the NYPD immediately.
- New York City police searching for man wanted for luring young girl
QUEENS, N.Y. — The NYPD is asking for the public’s help identifying a man wanted in connection with an attempted child luring incident involving a 13-year-old girl in the 115th Precinct.
According to police, the incident occurred on Wednesday at approximately 7:35 a.m. in front of 33-37 97th Street. An unidentified male approached the victim, offering her money in an attempt to lure her into performing a sexual act.
The victim fled the scene, and the suspect briefly followed her before running southbound on 97th Street. No injuries were reported, and the girl was not physically harmed.
Suspect fled the area on foot
Police have released images of the suspect and are urging anyone who recognizes the individual to contact authorities. The man’s identity remains unknown as the investigation continues.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline.
- Man stabbed to death in early morning attack on Seneca Avenue in Queens
QUEENS, N.Y. — A 35-year-old man died early Thursday after being stabbed in the abdomen during an assault in front of 675 Seneca Avenue, police said.
Officers from the 104th Precinct responded to a 911 call around 3:31 a.m. and found the victim with a stab wound. Emergency Medical Services transported him to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries.
The victim’s identity is being withheld until his family is notified, according to the NYPD.
Suspect in custody as investigation continues
One individual was taken into custody at the scene, but police have not released further details about the arrest or any charges filed. The motive behind the stabbing has not been disclosed.
The NYPD confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing and that additional information will be released as it becomes available.
- Teen charged with murder in fatal March shooting of 16-year-old on Liberty Avenue
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.
- Elderly woman scammed out of $24,000 in Henry Hudson Parkway fraud scheme
BRONX, N.Y. — A 78-year-old woman was scammed out of $24,000 after falling victim to a phone fraud scheme and in-person collection on Wednesday, June 11, according to police.
At approximately 11 a.m., the woman was near West 239th Street and Henry Hudson Parkway when she received a call from an individual claiming to be a bank representative. The caller told the victim her account had been compromised and instructed her to transfer $11,000 to resolve the issue.
Later that day, two unidentified individuals arrived at her residence and collected an additional $13,000 in person, police said. The suspects fled the scene on foot, heading northbound on Henry Hudson Parkway. No injuries were reported.
One of the suspects was described as a male with a light complexion and glasses. He was last seen wearing a white T-shirt, black shorts, and white sneakers. A description of the second suspect was not provided.
The suspects have not been apprehended, and the investigation remains ongoing. Authorities have not said how the individuals knew the victim’s location or why she was targeted.
The NYPD is urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward as they continue to search for the two suspects involved in the fraud.
