Queens, NY — A 15-year-old boy was shot and killed in a crowded Queens park after being attacked by a group of teens, and prosecutors say the suspected gunman fled the country before surrendering days later. Zahir Davis, 18, now faces murder and gang assault charges in the death of Jaden Pierre, who was killed April 16 at Roy Wilkins Park in St. Albans.
The case, announced by Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, centers on a violent gathering that escalated from a group assault into a fatal shooting in broad daylight.
Beating in park turned deadly
According to prosecutors, the violence unfolded around 6:15 p.m. during a large meetup of teenagers organized through social media as a water fight. During the gathering, Jaden Pierre was allegedly surrounded and beaten by a group of boys who punched and kicked him repeatedly.
As the attack continued, Davis allegedly approached, pulled a silver handgun from a bag, and shot the unarmed teen once in the chest.
Pierre collapsed and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Katz described the killing as unprovoked and deeply disturbing.
“As alleged, unarmed 15-year-old Jaden Pierre was mercilessly beaten by a group of teens … when the defendant … without provocation … shot the victim once in the chest, killing him,” Katz said.
Suspect fled to Jamaica before surrendering
Authorities say Davis left the United States shortly after the shooting, traveling to Jamaica in what prosecutors describe as an attempt to evade arrest. He later returned and surrendered Friday evening to officers from the NYPD’s 113th Precinct.
Davis, of Springfield Gardens, was arraigned and remanded on charges including second-degree murder, first-degree gang assault, and multiple counts of criminal possession of a weapon. If convicted, he faces up to 25 years to life in prison.
He is due back in court following his arraignment before Judge Michael Hartofilis.
—
Key Points
• 15-year-old Jaden Pierre shot and killed during group assault in Queens park
• Zahir Davis, 18, charged with murder after allegedly fleeing to Jamaica
• Prosecutors say victim was beaten before being shot once in the chest
—
Separate threats case adds to charges
In addition to the homicide case, Davis was also arraigned on a separate complaint involving alleged threats made days earlier. Prosecutors say he threatened to shoot his ex-girlfriend, who is the mother of his child, on April 12.
Those charges include aggravated harassment and harassment.
Ongoing investigation into group assault
Authorities say the broader investigation into the group attack remains active, with potential for additional charges against others involved in the beating.
The case is being prosecuted by the Queens District Attorney’s Office Homicide Bureau, with multiple assistant district attorneys assigned.
What happens next
Davis remains in custody as the case moves forward in Queens criminal court. Prosecutors say the investigation into both the shooting and the group assault is ongoing, and additional developments may follow as authorities continue to identify others involved.
