ST. ALBANS, Queens (PIX11) — A large group gathered on the basketball court in Roy Wilkins Park, the same place where 15-year-old Jaden Pierre was shot and killed, to hold a vigil in his memory.
Police say it all started when an argument escalated to a fight, followed by gunshots. Sources told PIX11 News that there was supposed to be a water gun fight near the basketball courts.
Pierre was rushed to a hospital after being shot in the chest, but he did not make it.
Cellphone video under review by detectives shows a large group of teens punching Pierre before the shot was fired.
On Monday, the vigil was organized by the United Clergy Coalition and community leaders.
Attorney General Letitia James, Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards were invited to speak at the vigil.
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Tisch James attended and demanded that the shooter turn themselves in.
“Surrender as soon as possible, before NYPD gets to you, or the community! They know who you are, they know where you are, and I would urge you to surrender. Gang life is not a good life,” James said.
Pierre’s father, who did not give his name at the vigil, said of his son, “that was my life, he was everything to me, everything, I love you Jaden, I love you with everything in my heart, my blood, my soul,
There is a $3500 reward for information leading to the shooters’ arrest.
Submit tips to police by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visiting crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, downloading the NYPD Crime Stoppers mobile app, or texting 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. Spanish-speaking callers are asked to dial 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).
Spencer Gustafson is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered New York state and city news since 2023. See more of his work here.
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