Three additional teenagers have been taken into custody regarding the gang-related violence that led to the death of a 15-year-old boy in Queens back in April, officials reported.
According to police, three boys, all aged 15, were arrested related to the shooting death of Jayden Pierre, which occurred on April 16 in Roy Wilkins Park, St. Albans. One was arrested on May 12, another on Thursday, and the latest was taken in custody on Friday. All face charges of gang assault.
The individual arrested Friday voluntarily surrendered at the NYPD’s 113th Precinct, marking the fifth arrest linked to this horrifying case. The violence erupted during a water gun fight that the victim organized and shared widely on social media, as per authorities.
The teenager arrested on Thursday has been processed in family court and is currently awaiting further investigation, though updates regarding the status of the other boy are unclear.
Prosecutors say Zahir Davis, an 18-year-old allegedly affiliated with the gang BG4, is charged with shooting Pierre in the chest with a silver gun amid the chaotic scene.
Davis initially escaped to Jamaica but was apprehended on April 24. He is being held without bail on various charges, including second-degree murder.
Another 16-year-old, arrested on May 6, faces charges of attempted first-degree gang assault and third-degree assault. He was ordered to be held on a bail of $750,000 cash or $1 million bond as he awaits arraignment.
Reports indicate that Pierre was dragged to the ground by a gang member and, when he got up, he was punched in the face.
NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenney previously mentioned that Pierre had a long-standing feud with one of the teens charged in this incident.
“They have an ongoing conflict that traces back to January when the victim attacked one of the suspects,” he noted.
“Sadly, many kids came to have a good time, but a considerable number of local gang members appeared as well…” Kenney remarked.
“Their paths crossed, and that’s what escalated into the shooting.”
