Jaden Pierre, 15, was attacked by several people while surrounded by a large group of teens before someone fired a single gunshot, striking him in the chest and killing him
Footage showed the teen being attacked before he was shot(Image: x)
Horrifying footage showing the moment a 15-year-old boy was shot dead in broad daylight after being swarmed by a huge mob has begun circulating online as police search for his killer.
Jaden Pierre was shot by an unknown assailant at around 6:15 pm on Thursday at Roy Wilkins Park in St. Albans, NYC, police said. The shooting came after a fight broke out on the basketball court in the park, according to authorities
Footage of the incident shared online appears to show several people beating Pierre, surrounded by a large crowd, before a gunshot rings out. The NYPD described the shooting as a “horrific act of violence.”
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Residents said 300 teenagers had swarmed the park for a water balloon fight, ABC 7 reports.
Police said several teens attacked Pierre before a single shot was fired, striking the 15-year-old in the chest. He was rushed to hospital, where he was later declared dead.
The footage showed a mob surrounding the teen(Image: x)
The teens present on the scene at the time of the shooting fled, and police are still searching for the gunman. The NYPD has released images of a person wanted in connection with the shooting.
They were wearing all gray clothing and white sneakers at the time of the attack. “WANTED FOR HOMICIDE OF A 15-YEAR-OLD,” the NYPD said in a post to X alongside the images.
“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),” police added.
Police have shared images of the suspected gunman(Image: NYPD)
There is a $3,500 reward for any information that leads to an arrest. Police are currently reviewing cell phone video of the alleged suspect running away.
The motive for the shooting remains unclear. Authorities have also not said what led to the fight.
Police were still patrolling Roy Wilkins Park on Friday, putting up posters of the alleged gunman. The victim’s aunt, told Eyewitness News that Pierre was a sweet kid.
Police were still patrolling the park on Friday(Image: abc)
The shocking footage of the 15-year-old’s death was also shared by former NYC Mayor Eric Adams. “A 15-year-old kid was beaten and shot to death at a Southeast Queens playground yesterday. And somehow this isn’t the top story,” Adams wrote on X.
“Credit to AG Letitia James & BP Richards for speaking up. Where is everyone else, including @NYCMayor Mamdani? Outrage shouldn’t depend on zip code. Every child deserves protection,” he added as he urged anyone with information about the incident to contact the NYPD.