Police said the gunman remains at large and investigators are reviewing cellphone video that reportedly shows him fleeing the scene.
The victim, identified as Jaden Pierre, was shot around 6:15 pm at Roy Wilkins Park in St. Albans. Authorities said officers returned to the park on Friday, posting images of a person wanted in connection with the shooting as the search continues.
The shooting took place after a large gathering at the park that drew hundreds of teenagers. According to ABC 7 New York, roughly 300 teens had assembled for a water balloon fight when the situation escalated. Several individuals allegedly physically assaulted Pierre before a gunshot was fired, striking him in the chest.
Pierre was transported to a hospital, where he later died. Police said the gunman remains at large and investigators are reviewing cellphone video that reportedly shows him fleeing the scene. A $35,000 reward has also been offered for information leading to an arrest.
“On 4/16/2026 at 6:15 pm, a teen was shot and killed near Merrick Blvd and Baisley Blvd in Queens. The NYPD is looking for this individual in connection with the shooting. If you have any information, call @NYPDTips at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477),” the NYPD said in a post to X.
"The pain of losing Jaden Pierre to gun violence at 15 years old is indescribable, and I grieve with his family, friends, Eagle Academy classmates and teachers and all who loved him,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards.
New York State Attorney General Letitia James also commented on the shooting in a post on X, saying her heart is “heavy tonight” after the teenager was killed due to a “senseless act of gun violence.”
A woman who knew Pierre visited the park on Friday and spoke about the incident, according to ABC 7 New York. “This could have been prevented. Everyone that stood by and watched - they had a moral obligation to say, 'y'all stop it ain't that serious.'"
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