Police Identify Suspect in Fatal Shooting of Teen During Water Gun Fight
Authorities in New York City have named the 18-year-old believed to have shot and killed a 15-year-old during a water gun fight in Queens, a police official revealed on Tuesday.
NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenney stated that Zahir Davis, who is allegedly associated with the gang BG4, has been identified as the individual responsible for the shooting of Jayden Pierre, an incident that was recorded in Roy Wilkins Park in St. Albans on Thursday night.
According to sources, Davis is still at large and may have fled the country to Jamaica.
Pierre played a key role in organizing the widely shared water gun fight on social media, which attracted hundreds of children to the park, the police chief mentioned.
“Many kids were there to enjoy themselves, but, unfortunately, there were also several gang members present,” Kenney noted.
“Multiple gangs encountered each other, which escalated into violence.”
The distressing footage captured the chaotic scene where aggressive teens assaulted Pierre before a gunshot was heard, resulting in his collapse from a chest wound.
“The individual delivering most of the punches was shouting and mocking Pierre,” Kenney explained. “Then we see the shooter retreat and draw a gun.”
“It appears he intended to hit him with the firearm. As he swung, the gun accidentally discharged, striking Pierre.”
Forensic analysis will confirm whether the shooter intended to use the gun in that moment.
Kenney shared that there had been ongoing tension for months between Pierre and a boy, not yet named, who dealt most of the blows.
“This conflict dates back to January when Pierre was attacked by that boy,” the chief clarified.
It’s reported that prior confrontations involving girls from both social circles also contributed to the escalation.
Although at least six different gangs arrived for what was supposed to be a light-hearted water fight, Kenney emphasized that Pierre was not affiliated with any gang, merely attending with friends.
“It’s tragic that incidents like this gain traction on social media so quickly,” he added.
Pierre’s mother has made an emotional plea for those involved to come forward.
“You all ganged up on him; it wasn’t enough,” Chanel Weston, 33, expressed, addressing the situation.
