Teen Charged in Fatal Stabbing Released on Supervised Release

An 18-year-old, Derek Trejo, who was charged in the deadly stabbing of 17-year-old Josue Argudo in Queens, had been on supervised release for a previous gang-related offense when the incident occurred, according to reports.

Trejo was released by Judge Jennifer Tubridy just two months prior to the incident. He, along with a 17-year-old accomplice, allegedly engaged in a fatal confrontation with Argudo, who was a stranger to them.

Trejo had previously been arrested on July 22, 2025, for assaulting a 34-year-old man in a gang-related attack. Law enforcement detailed how a group of seven, including Trejo, attacked the victim with punches and even stabbed him in the back.

Despite the Queens District Attorney’s request for bail, Judge Tubridy granted supervised release, allowing Trejo to leave jail.

Less than two months later, Trejo and his accomplice confronted Argudo on Jamaica Avenue, leading to the stabbing incident around 3:45 p.m.

He was taken into custody again on Monday, facing second-degree murder charges for the attack.

Neighbors expressed disbelief over Trejo’s earlier release. Maria Carmen, a local resident and mother of three, questioned how the judge could have let him go so easily. Her frustrations were shared by other community members who felt unsafe.

Another resident, identified as Oscar, mentioned that gang members often evade serious consequences after multiple arrests, highlighting a troubling pattern within the community.

Reports indicate that Argudo attempted to escape from the confrontation, but the suspects caught him. The juvenile accomplice is said to have delivered the knife wound to Argudo.

Witnesses to the scene attempted CPR on Argudo, who was then rushed to Jamaica Hospital but unfortunately did not survive.

Eddie Gamble, a long-time local, remembered Argudo as a well-liked kid who simply wanted to go to school. Gamble noted that Argudo didn’t seem to provoke the attack, emphasizing the youth’s innocent demeanor.

Authorities mentioned that both suspects have ties to a gang that frequents a nearby McDonald’s, which has raised concerns in the area.

Trejo’s last known address was reportedly a shelter for immigrants, yet he lived quite a distance from the incident site. During their arraignment, both Trejo and the juvenile co-defendant were denied bail.

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz released a statement describing the events. She reinforced the need for justice as the investigation into this violent act continues, extending condolences to Argudo’s family and friends.