Queens, New York — A 15-year-old boy was shot and killed after a fight broke out on a basketball court at a Queens park Thursday evening, and police are now searching for the gunman caught on camera.
The victim, identified as Jaden Pierre, was attacked during a melee involving several individuals before a single gunshot struck him in the upper chest at Roy Wilkins Park near Merrick and Baisley boulevards in St. Albans around 6:15 p.m., according to the NYPD and reports from NBC New York and PIX11.
Fight escalates into deadly shooting
Investigators say the violence began as a group altercation on the park’s basketball court, where multiple youths were seen assaulting Pierre. At some point during the chaos, one individual pulled out a firearm and fired a single shot.
Pierre collapsed at the scene with a chest wound. Emergency responders rushed him to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The suspect fled immediately after the shooting, prompting an ongoing manhunt.
NYPD releases image, asks for public’s help
The NYPD has circulated an image of a person wanted in connection with the homicide and is urging anyone with information to come forward.
“On 4/16/2026 at 6:15 pm, a teen was shot and killed near Merrick Blvd and Baisley Blvd in Queens,” NYPD News said in a public alert posted on X. “The NYPD is looking for this individual in connection with the shooting.”
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Key Points
• 15-year-old Jaden Pierre was shot and killed after a fight at a Queens park
• The shooting happened around 6:15 p.m. at Roy Wilkins Park in St. Albans
• NYPD is searching for a suspect who fled the scene after firing one shot
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Incident draws broader concern over youth violence
The killing has drawn attention from state officials, with New York Attorney General Letitia James condemning the violence and pointing to ongoing concerns about gun-related incidents involving young people.
The shooting unfolded in a public park during early evening hours, a time when the area is often active with teens and families, raising concerns among residents about safety in community spaces.
Investigation ongoing as suspect remains at large
Police have not announced any arrests as of Friday and have not released additional details about the suspect beyond the image shared publicly.
Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact NYPD Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.
Current status
As of April 17, 2026, the suspect remains at large and the NYPD investigation into the fatal shooting of Jaden Pierre is ongoing.
