The NYPD is investigating a Queens shooting that left a Valley Stream man dead.

The department responded to a report of a man shot at the intersection of Merrick Boulevard and Sayres Avenue in Jamaica, Queens, at around 2:21 p.m. on Friday, the NYPD said in a release.

Richard Carter, 49, of Valley Stream, was found at the scene with multiple gunshot wounds to the torso. He was transported to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center where he was pronounced dead, police said.

The NYPD did not have a detailed description of the suspect. There are no arrests in the case and a motive is not clear, police said.

Multiple reports said Carter was attending a funeral at the cathedral located at the intersection. 

The shooting took place near a church at the intersection...

The shooting took place near a church at the intersection of Merrick Boulevard and Sayres Avenue in Jamaica. Credit: CBS News New York

Murders are down 24% citywide in 2026, year to date, compared to 2025, according to CompStat, the department’s statistical record-keeping system. There have been 60 murders in 2026.

Police are asking anyone with information to call the NYPD Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).

Joseph Ostapiuk