Queens, NY — An 18-year-old man now faces murder charges in the fatal shooting of 15-year-old Jaden Pierre during a large teen gathering at Roy Wilkins Park, a case prosecutors say escalated from a group beating into deadly gun violence. The victim was shot in the chest on Wednesday, April 16, and later died at a hospital.
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that Zahir Davis, of Springfield Gardens, was arraigned and remanded on charges including second-degree murder, first-degree gang assault, and criminal possession of a weapon.
Beating Turns Deadly at Park Gathering
According to the charges, the violence unfolded around 6:15 p.m. during a meetup promoted on social media as a water fight that drew a large crowd of teenagers to the St. Albans park.
Prosecutors say Jaden Pierre was surrounded by a group of boys who punched and kicked him repeatedly. As the assault continued, Davis allegedly approached, pulled a silver handgun from a bag, and shot the unarmed teen once in the upper chest.
Pierre collapsed at the scene and was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said the killing has had a deep impact across the city.
“This murder has shocked and outraged our city,” Katz said. “As alleged, unarmed 15-year-old Jaden Pierre was mercilessly beaten… when defendant Zahir Davis pulled out a silver handgun and—without provocation—shot the victim once in the chest, killing him.”
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Key Points
• 15-year-old Jaden Pierre fatally shot during group assault at Roy Wilkins Park
• 18-year-old Zahir Davis charged with murder, gang assault, and weapons offenses
• Prosecutors say suspect fled to Jamaica before returning and surrendering
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Suspect Allegedly Fled Country, Then Surrendered
Authorities say Davis left the United States for Jamaica shortly after the shooting, an alleged attempt to evade arrest. He later returned and surrendered Friday evening to officers from the NYPD’s 113th Precinct.
During his arraignment before Judge Michael Hartofilis, Davis was ordered held without bail. If convicted, he faces up to 25 years to life in prison.
In a separate case, Davis was also arraigned on charges of aggravated harassment and harassment for allegedly threatening to shoot his ex-girlfriend—who is also the mother of his child—just days before the park shooting.
Investigation Into Group Attack Continues
While Davis faces charges tied to the fatal shooting, authorities say the broader assault involving multiple teens remains under investigation. Detectives are working to identify others who allegedly participated in the beating that preceded the gunfire.
The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney John Esposito of the Queens District Attorney’s Homicide Bureau, with support from Assistant District Attorney Caitlyn E. Muldoon and oversight from senior bureau leadership.
Ongoing Case Status
Davis remains in custody and is scheduled to return to court on April 29. Prosecutors say the investigation into the group assault is ongoing, and additional charges against others involved have not been ruled out.
The case continues to develop as authorities examine the events that turned a social gathering into a deadly attack.
