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Queens, NY- Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz has announced the indictment of Tianna Benjamin, Charles Gillespie, and Kyra Tyrell by a grand jury in connection with the murder of 17-year-old Talasia Cuffie in November 2019. The charges include murder, weapon possession, and conspiracy. Cuffie was attacked following a memorial basketball game for another victim, Aamir Griffin, unrelated to her death. The attack was driven by a mistaken belief that Cuffie was pregnant with Gillespie’s child.

According to the DA’s statements, Cuffie was persuaded to visit a residential block by the defendants and then stabbed in the abdomen and groin. She was left severely injured on the sidewalk and later died in the hospital. The Queens District Attorney’s Office emphasized its dedication to seeking justice for Cuffie and her family.

The individuals charged are Benjamin, aged 29, from Jamaica; Gillespie, aged 24, from Jamaica; and Tyrell, aged 22, from Brooklyn. They face charges of murder in the second degree, criminal possession of a weapon, and conspiracy. B

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Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

As a member of the Shore News Network editorial team, Quigley works closely with public officials, community leaders, first responders, and local organizations to provide factual coverage of breaking news, municipal government, public policy, and events affecting New Jersey residents. Her work highlights both major developments and the local stories that shape communities across the state.

Quigley is committed to responsible journalism, emphasizing accuracy, source verification, and transparency in every story she reports. She strives to present information in a clear and accessible manner, helping readers better understand the issues, decisions, and events that impact their daily lives.

Through her work at Shore News Network, Chris Quigley contributes to the organization's mission of providing trusted local news coverage, accountability reporting, and community-focused journalism throughout New Jersey.

Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

Experience and interests: Criminal Justice, Business, Animal Care, Entertainment, Lottery News, Local News