On Tuesday, the NYPD released an image of the suspected cold-blooded killer who gunned down Malakai Adams, who was shot mere blocks away from his Beach 56th Drive home in Arverne.
According to police sources, Adams was riding his scooter behind the Ocean Bay Apartments, located at 51-24 Beach Channel Drive, just after 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 21, when the suspected gunman approached.
Police said the suspect attempted to rob Adams, but the youngster fought back. During the struggle, cops said, the perpetrator pulled out a gun and opened fire, striking the teenager in the lower back.
The shooter then hopped on Adams’ scooter and fled eastbound on Beach 52nd Street as the wounded teen lay dying. Police later said the perpetrator was last seen riding eastbound along Norton Avenue.
On Tuesday, the NYPD released an image of the suspected cold-blooded killer who gunned down Malakai Adams, who was shot mere blocks away from his Beach 56th Drive home in Arverne.
The incident was reported to the 101st Precinct. EMS rushed Adams to Cohen Children’s Medical Center by EMS but he could not be saved and was pronounced dead.
Susana Tovar, a family friend of the teen, told ABC7 that her son had been on the way to play basketball with Adams when he was fatally gunned down.
“My son is very nervous. He cries, ‘Mommy, Mommy, my friend, my friend.’ He called me,” Tovar said.
So far, no arrests have been made, but the investigation remains ongoing.
Police described the suspect as a male with a dark complexion who was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, black and gray pants, and red and white sneakers.
Anyone with information regarding this shooting can call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS (for Spanish, dial 888-57-PISTA). You can also submit tips online at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, or on X (formerly Twitter) @NYPDTips. All calls and messages are kept confidential.
Through Sept. 20, the 101st Precinct had five homicides year-to-date, up from three at the same point in 2025. The command also had five shootings so far in 2026, down from 10 last year.