CB 2 MEETING NOTICE:
Community Board 2 has scheduled a regular monthly meeting and public hearing of the full board on Thursday, December 4, at 6:30 pm at Sunnyside Community Services, 43-31 39th Street, Ground Floor, Sunnyside.
CB 6 MEETING NOTICE:
Community Board 6 will meet on Wednesday, December 10, at 7:00 pm at Queens Borough Hall, Helen Marshall Cultural Center, 120-55 Queens Blvd., Kew Gardens.
QUEENS CIVIC CONGRESS LEGISLATIVE RECEPTION 2025:
To celebrate the 28th Year of Achievement of Queens Civic Congress and Honoring Aracelia Cook with the Kevin Forrestal Leadership Award; Henry Euler with the Patricia Dolan Preservation Award; and Edwin O’Keefe Westley with the Queens Civic Congress Legacy Award, Queens Civic Congress and Queens Civic Congress Foundation cordially invite you to their Legislative Reception 2025 on Sunday, December 7, 2025, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, at The Douglaston Club, 600 West Drive, Douglaston, NY 11363.
The Queens Civic Congress Legislative Reception, sponsored by the Queens Civic Foundation, is a unique opportunity for Queens’ civic leaders to meet informally and discuss significant issues with Federal, State, and City elected officials. It is unlike any other get-together. Tickets are $60 per person. You can make your reservation via Eventbrite. Light Refreshments will be served. Cash Bar Available.
BRAUNSTEIN ANNOUNCES ANNUAL HOLIDAY TOY DRIVE FOR QUEENS CHILDREN IN NEED:
Assemblyman Edward C. Braunstein (D- Bayside) is proud to announce the return of his office’s annual Holiday Toy Drive for needy and hospitalized children in Queens.
All new and unwrapped gifts should be delivered to Assemblyman Braunstein’s office at 213-33 39th Avenue, Suite 238, Bayside, 11361, by Friday, December 12, 2025. Action figures, board games, art supplies, and sporting equipment are popular donated items. Recipients range in age from newborn to young adult.
“As we welcome the holiday season and plan to spend quality time with our loved ones, please consider bringing joy to a local family in need by donating a new and unwrapped toy to my office’s annual Toy Drive,” said Assemblyman Braunstein. “I thank you in advance for your generosity during this season of giving and I wish you and your family a healthy and happy holiday season.”
The toys will be donated to numerous organizations, institutions and charitable programs operating in Queens that serve local children and families in need.
If you are interested in participating and have any questions, please call Assemblyman Braunstein’s office at (718) 357-3588.
SENATOR ADDABBO STATEMENT ON DOWNSTATE CASINO LICENSE
INITIAL APPROVAL:
Senator Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., Chairman of the New York State Senate Committee on Racing, Gaming and Wagering, said: “I applaud the members on the New York State Gaming Facility Location Board for unanimously backing all three casino bids – Bally’s casino proposal in the Bronx, as well as Resorts World and the Metropolitan Park developments in Queens. This decision moves us closer to a final license approval by the Gaming Commission by the end of the year and closer to realizing the significant benefits for New York— over 10,000 union jobs, billions in revenue, infrastructure improvements, funding for the MTA and support for problem- gambling programs.”
QBP RICHARDS ON NYS GAMING FACILITY LOCATION BOARD RECOMMENDING LICENSES:
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. stated the following in response to today’s decision by the New York State Gaming Facility Location Board to recommend the granting of casino gaming licenses to both the proposed Metropolitan Park entertainment complex in Corona and Resorts World New York City in South Ozone Park.
“There is no safer bet in our city than Queens and its unparalleled promise. The most diverse county in the United States is quickly becoming its most economically innovative and transformative — cemented by today’s recommendation to connect tens of thousands of Queens families to good-paying union jobs and millions of residents and tourists alike to world-class entertainment,” said Borough President Richards. “Since the very start of this casino licensing process, both Resorts World and Metropolitan Park have held winning hands, with each putting forth unrivaled community benefits packages to uplift our families and clear-eyed workforce development plans that will generate billions of dollars in wages and tax revenue. Together, they embody our borough’s unrivaled potential as a true live, work, and play community.
“From local street vendors receiving brick-and-mortar space at Metropolitan Park’s Taste of Queens Food Hall to local student- athletes growing on and off the court at Resorts World’s Innovation Center to families taking advantage of 32 combined acres of new public park space, Queens hit the jackpot with these proposals,” added Borough President Richards. “I’m proud to have supported both projects, and I’m immensely grateful to Governor Hochul’s administration, the applicants and all our neighbors for their work shaping these community-centric plans. There is no doubt that Queens is the truly the future.”
QUEENS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ON NEW YORK STATE GAMING COMMISSION SELECTIONS:
The Queens Chamber of Commerce released the following statement from President and CEO Tom Grech in response to today’s New York State Gaming Commission determination awarding full casino licenses to both Metropolitan Park and Resorts World New York City:
“Queens is on the move. Today’s selections by the New York State Gaming Commission represent an historic moment for our borough and for New York State. By awarding licenses to both Metropolitan Park and Resorts World New York City, the Commission has embraced a vision for Queens as a global destination for culture, sports, and entertainment.
“We extend our deep appreciation to Borough President Donovan Richards, the New York State Assembly and Senate, the City Council members who championed these projects, and the community boards whose ULURP approvals reflected the voices and priorities of local residents. Their leadership and collaboration helped ensure that these transformational proposals were shaped by — and for — the communities they will serve.
“Metropolitan Park’s $8 billion investment will reimagine 50 acres around Citi Field into a world-class destination, generating tens of thousands of jobs and billions in economic activity. Resorts World, already a proven partner in Southeast Queens, will now expand its footprint with a $5.5 billion investment, adding 5,000 good-paying jobs, strengthening small businesses, and continuing its long record of community investment.
“The Queens Chamber of Commerce is proud to support these landmark projects, which will fuel economic growth, uplift neighborhoods, and secure Queens’ place on the global stage.”
STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR KATHY HOCHUL ON CASINO LICENSES:
“From the moment that three downstate casino licenses were authorized in the 2022 State Budget, I have been clear: any approved project must provide real benefits to its community and have sustainable economic plans. I am grateful to Chair Been and the Gaming Facility Location Board for their careful review of the applications according to these high standards.
“The three projects approved today promise to unlock billions in funding for the MTA and create tens of thousands of jobs. It is critical that they keep those promises. I look forward to the Gaming Commission’s review of the Board’s recommendations in the weeks ahead.”
GONZÁLEZ-ROJAS TO HOST A HEALTH AND RESOURCE FAIR:
Assembly Member Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas will also be hosting a Health and Resource Fair at Self Help Community Services Northridge/Brulene/Southridge Naturally Occurring Retirement Community (NORC) Program in Jackson Heights on Monday, December 8th, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The resource fair will include representatives from the New York City Commission on Human Rights (CHR), New York City Department of Finance (DOF), New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), New York State Attorney General Letitia James’ Office, New York City Human Resources Administration (HRA), Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA), Access-A-Ride (AAR), and LiveOn New York. Attendees will have the opportunity to speak with representatives from each department about their respective issues. The Assembly Member will also host mobile office hours to assist constituents and provide resources on immigration, housing, and social services. Additionally, Self Help Community Services will be providing blood pressure screenings for their members and have a nutritionist on site.
BP RICHARDS PUT TURKEYS ON THE TABLES IN QUEENS:
Ahead of Thanksgiving, Borough President Donovan Richards hosted a joint turkey distribution with John Starks Kia in Jamaica on Sunday, November 23 and participated in Assemblymember Larinda Hooks’ turkey giveaway in Corona on Saturday, November 22. The Borough President said neighbors don’t let neighbors go hungry and that communities stepping up for one another is the Queens way.
TIFFANY CABAN GAVE AWAY 457 FREE TURKEYS:
“Every New Yorker deserves a festive holiday season. Every New Yorker deserves a warm, safe, comforting place to live in community with their loved ones, to eat delicious food, and thrive. And every day as your City Council Member, I work to make that vision of a city we can all afford and be safe in a reality. A lot of our work is a long-term investment in the future of our city. But sometimes, this work is a lot more immediate and fun. Like this week: we gave away 457 turkeys. That’s right: in preparation for Thanksgiving, my office gave out free turkeys to 457 families. This would not have been possible without the generous contributions of Mega, Hispanic Federation, Team AOC, Rise Light and Power, Senator Kristen Gonzalez, and Assembly Member (and Mayor-Elect!) Zohran Mamdani!”
LYNN SCHULMAN DISTRIBUTES MORE THAN 700 TURKEYS:
Council Member Lynn Schulman: “With rising grocery costs putting real pressure on households across the country, I was proud to help ease that burden by distributing more than 700 turkeys, prepared meals and meal gift certificates to families, our healthcare heroes (nurses and EMS personnel), and our FDNY first responders, across District 29. This effort was made possible through the support of our incredible partners, including: Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty, Unity Family Enrichment Center, Jamaica Hospital, Queens Center, River Fund, Forest Hills Senior League, Community Board 9,Emblem Health, Charter Communications, the NYC District Council of Carpenters, and our local NYPD Officers at the 112th and 102nd Precincts.”
RANA ABDELHAMID LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN FOR ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 36:
Community organizer, mutual aid leader, democratic socialist, and self-defense instructor Rana Abdelhamid officially announced her campaign for New York State Assembly, District 36, running to Succeed Zohran Mamdani out of a local restaurant in Queens. In addition to the rally, Abdelhamid released a creative video where supporters call on her to run before she lays out her platform. Drawing from nearly two decades of service to Astoria and Long Island City, her campaign “presents a bold vision for a Queens where working families, immigrant communities, and small businesses can thrive in the place they call home.”
AMERICAN LATINO COALITION ENDORSES ELISE STEFANIK FOR NY GOVERNOR:
The Elise for Governor Campaign announced that the American Latino Coalition has officially endorsed Elise Stefanik for Governor of New York. Congresswoman Elise Stefanik: “Thank you to the American Latino Coalition for their generous support in our race to unseat the Worst Governor in America and restore affordability and safety across our great state. New York’s Latino community understands that our families deserve better than the highest taxes, rent, utility costs, and grocery bills in the nation, and we are united in delivering success and security for voters. Together we will fire Kathy Hochul and Save New York.” Founder and Chairman of the American Latino Coalition Ruben Estrada: “Our members are deeply engaged in the issues affecting our families and neighborhoods. Today represents an important moment for our organization as we make our positions known and stand behind candidates—such as Congresswoman Elise Stefanik for Governor of New York—who we believe will advocate for meaningful progress and much needed change. She will not only inspire our community but also reaffirm the importance of family, faith, and country—values that transcend party.”
AG JAMES SUES TRUMPADMINISTRATION TO PROTECT BILLIONS OF DOLLARS TO FIGHT HOMELESSNESS:
New York Attorney General Letitia James today led a coalition of 18 other attorneys general and the governors of Kentucky and Pennsylvania in suing the Trump administration to protect billions of dollars in grants from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that provide housing and other critical services to help fight homelessness. The administration has recently introduced new restrictions that would slash funding for crucial initiatives that are part of HUD’s Continuum of Care (CoC) program. This program delivers funding to local and regional coalitions that provide housing and services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness, particularly those most vulnerable to homelessness such as veterans and those with disabilities. Attorney General James and the coalition argue that the administration’s actions threaten billions of dollars, illegally target those providing services to the LGBTQ community, and would unlawfully punish communities that do not share the administration’s policy priorities. Attorney General James and the coalition are seeking a court order blocking the administration’s cuts and illegal new conditions on CoC funds.
“Communities across the country depend on Continuum of Care funds to provide housing and other resources to our most vulnerable neighbors,” said Attorney General James. “These funds help keep tens of thousands of people from sleeping on the streets every night. I will not allow this administration to cut off these funds and put vital housing and support services at risk.”
In 1987, Congress created CoC to provide states, local governments, nonprofits, and other groups with resources to deliver housing and support services for people experiencing homelessness, with a focus on veterans, families, and people with disabilities. For decades, CoC prioritized the “housing first” approach to fighting homelessness, providing immediate shelter to those in need without forcing them to meet burdensome requirements that can leave many without a safe place to sleep.
Permanent supportive housing has been highly effective at increasing housing stability and lowering costs associated with supporting people experiencing homelessness. Since its origin during the Reagan administration, the model has had bipartisan support across presidential administrations and Congress, and was HUD’s preferred method for addressing homelessness until the Trump administration’s change in policy. In addition to housing, CoC funds also provide support services such as childcare, job training, mental health and trauma counseling, and transportation services to assist people getting to and from work.
Attorney General James and the coalition argue in their lawsuit that the administration’s new conditions on CoC funding are unlawful and unconstitutional. The administration cannot impose its own conditions on funds that Congress mandated should be distributed based solely on need. As a result, these new conditions violate the Administrative Procedure Act and Congress’ constitutional power to control spending. Attorney General James and the coalition are seeking a court order ruling the new funding conditions illegal and preventing them from being enforced.
“We know that taking a housing first approach is an effective way to address homelessness,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “The Adams administration has delivered back-to-back supportive housing records for formerly homeless New Yorkers with over 2,700 supportive housing units being produced in 2024 alone. Much of this housing is managed by the very providers who have relied on federal Continuum of Care funding for decades and who do incredible work in our communities every day. We must all work together to ensure that we tackle the problem of homelessness head-on and invest in solutions that work and uplift working people. New York City is proud to be part of this coalition to fight for every last dollar New Yorkers deserve.”
GILLIBRAND INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO INCREASE SS BENEFITS:
The SWIFT Act would expand Social Security benefits for over one million Americans.
Today, Senator Gillibrand introduced legislation to expand Social Security benefits for widowed and surviving divorced spouses. She was joined on the legislation by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and Patty Murray (D-WA).
The Surviving Widow(er) Income Fair Treatment (SWIFT) Act makes necessary changes to Social Security benefit rules by addressing outdated benefit caps, arbitrary legal restrictions, and claiming requirements — resulting in increased benefits for widowed and surviving divorced spouses.
“Our seniors have spent a lifetime working hard and paying into Social Security, and they deserve to receive adequate benefits and retire with dignity, not spend their golden years just trying to get by,” said Senator Gillibrand. “But outdated rules and antiquated policies mean that too many seniors, especially widowed spouses, and women disproportionately, aren’t receiving the benefits they’ve earned or being treated fairly. Our SWIFT Act will help modernize the program and strengthen benefits for our seniors.”
The SWIFT Act allows widowed and surviving divorced spouses with disabilities to receive 100% of the survivor benefits they are entitled to, regardless of their age, and empowers widowed and surviving divorced spouses to increase their survivor benefits beyond current arbitrary caps. The legislation also expands child-in-care benefits for widowed and surviving divorced spouses caring for children, significantly helping families struggling with the costs of caregiving.
The legislation is supported by a number of organizations, including AFL-CIO, AFSCME, National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives, National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, Women’s Institute for a Secure Retirement, The Arc of the United States, Justice in Aging, Alliance for Retired Americans, National Association of Disability Representatives, Social Security Works, and Strengthen Social Security Coalition.
GILLIBRAND INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO HELP ENSURE HEALTH CARE ACCESS FOR PREGNANT WOMEN:
Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD) introduced the Healthy Maternity and Obstetric Medicine (MOM) Act, legislation designed to expand health care access for pregnant women and ensure they receive coverage that meets their needs.
The Healthy MOM Act would ensure that women eligible for coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplaces, as well as those eligible for other individual or group health plans, can access affordable health care throughout their pregnancies. The bill would also establish a special enrollment period for expectant mothers. Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ-12) has introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Currently, marriage, divorce, having a baby, adoption, and changing jobs are considered qualifying life events that trigger a special enrollment period; however, becoming pregnant is not considered a qualifying event. The Healthy MOM Act would change that.
“As a mother, I know firsthand that your health care needs can change when you become pregnant, and you should have the option to change your coverage to address them,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Especially as Republicans continue to put up barriers to health coverage enrollment and block efforts to lower costs, we must keep pushing to make care accessible for everyone. I am proud that our legislation would allow pregnant women to access affordable coverage that best meets their evolving needs, and I will keep fighting to get it across the finish line.”
“We have a responsibility to ensure pregnant women have access to the best health care. The Healthy MOM Act would trigger a special enrollment period so expectant mothers can get critical health care coverage for themselves and their baby, building on the example of my own state of Maryland. As Republicans try to rip away health care from Americans, including mothers, I’m proud to fight back and partner with Congresswoman Watson Coleman to expand access to affordable care for new mothers,” said Senator Alsobrooks.
In 2016, New York became the first state to make pregnancy a qualifying event for a special enrollment period, allowing pregnant women to obtain or change their health insurance plan outside of the annual open enrollment period, even if they are already covered. This gives women the ability to enroll in, switch, or select a new health plan when they become pregnant to better meet their evolving health care needs. Policies like this strengthen New York’s ability to support pregnant women, and implementing similar policies at the federal level would extend these protections to women across the country.
Senator Gillibrand has long championed legislation to make pregnancy more affordable and safer. Earlier this year, she introduced a bill to make childbirth free for families with private insurance. She also champions the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act, a package of 13 bills – including her Moms Matter Act – that aims to address the Black maternal mortality crisis and reduce racial and ethnic disparities in maternal health care.
The Healthy MOM Act is endorsed by Chamber of Mothers, Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, National Partnership for Women and Families, MomsRising, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and March of Dimes.
ADAMS, RICHARDS ANNOUNCE QUEENS HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL:
Memorial Will Honor Memory of Holocaust Victims and Survivors, Provide Space for Remembrance and Education
New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards today announced the “Queens Holocaust Memorial,” a new public site to honor the memory of the six million Jewish people murdered in the Holocaust as well as the survivors who rebuilt their lives in New York City. The memorial will be located on the grounds of Queens Borough Hall and serve as a permanent site of remembrance, education, and unity. The city and the Office of the Queens Borough President have allocated a total of $3 million to support the project’s development; the New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) will oversee the site designation and coordination with community stakeholders and civic leaders. The City will advance a formal design process to build a commemorative garden and public artwork. The artist selection process will be led by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs’ “Percent for Art” program in consultation with artists, historians, and Holocaust survivors.
“It is not enough to say ‘never again’ — we have to live it with our actions too. By preserving the stories of both victims and survivors, by creating a permanent space for remembrance and reflection, by promoting understanding and solidarity across generations, this memorial will live out the meaning of ‘never again,’” said Mayor Adams. “As our city and our country confront the rising tide of antisemitism, our administration will not remain silent. We will use our office to call out hate wherever we find it, encourage compassion wherever we need it, and create a city where everyone can live side by side in harmony.”
“No matter how much time passes since the evils of the Holocaust, New York City’s commitment to the pledge of ‘Never Again’ must never waver. That is why, in the face of rising tides of heinous anti-Semitism and Holocaust denial across our society, I could not be prouder to lead this effort alongside the administration and Queens’ Jewish community in creating this critically important memorial here at Queens Borough Hall,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “The Queens Holocaust Memorial will not only pay a touching tribute to the six million innocent Jews murdered by the Nazis and the survivors who settled in our borough afterward, but it will also serve as daily inspiration for our fight to forge a future free of anti- Semitism. I thank all our city and community partners for their commitment to see this memorial through.”
“When hate crimes, vandalism, and extremist rhetoric targeting Jewish communities are happening both nationally and globally, this memorial will stand not only as a powerful testament to those lost and to those who rebuilt, but also as a rebuke to intolerance and a reminder of our imperative to confront hatred with moral clarity,” said Moshe Davis, executive director, Mayor’s Office to Combat Antisemitism.
“This Holocaust Memorial Garden we begin to build today, is a reminder of what can happen if we forget the past. It will also serve to keep our focus on the present, while we hope for our future,” said Michael Nussbaum, chairman, Holocaust Memorial Garden. “The Memorial Garden will be a place where anyone can come to reflect and seek peace.”
New York City is home to more Holocaust survivors than any other city in the world. Following the liberation of the concentration camps, thousands of survivors came to New York, many settling in Queens, where they rebuilt their lives, raised families, established businesses, enriched the city’s cultural institutions, and helped make New York a global center of Jewish life.
The memorial was originally proposed by the Queens Jewish Community Council in partnership with local civic and faith leaders. The City of New York will formally designate and dedicate the site for the purpose of a Holocaust Memorial through a DCAS assignment letter. The Queens Jewish Community Council will lead additional fundraising efforts to support the design and construction of the commemorative artwork. When complete, the Queens Holocaust Memorial will be the first major Holocaust memorial in Queens, joining other sites of remembrance throughout New York City. The memorial site will host Holocaust remembrance ceremonies, educational programs for students, and community gatherings that promote understanding and soliThieves darity across generations and communities.
“I have seen how education helps young people understand the world around them and recognize the dangers of prejudice and intolerance. This memorial garden will give students and families a place to learn, reflect, and confront the realities of antisemitism and other forms of hate crimes,” said Toby Stavisky, New York State senator. “Michael Nussbaum and I both began our careers as social studies teachers, and we know how important it is to reach children early. That’s why I committed $1 million in capital funding to help bring this project to life. This garden will serve as a living classroom and a reminder that understanding our history is essential to ensuring that ‘never again’ is not forgotten.”
“This Holocaust Memorial in Queens honors the profound anguish and undeniable truth of actual genocide that tore families and communities apart. But it also reflects the extraordinary resilience of those who survived. Of people who carried unimaginable pain yet still chose hope, rebuilding, and the promise of a new future,” said Sam Berger, New York State assemblymember. “Many Holocaust survivors, my grandparents among them, came to Forest Hills seeking safety, dignity, and a chance to start again. They didn’t just rebuild their own lives. They helped build Queens. Their strength, their values, and their determination are woven into the rich and diverse history of this borough. They opened businesses, raised families, contributed to our civic life, and helped create the vibrant community we are proud to call home.
“Trauma leaves its mark, but it does not have to define us,” continued Berger. “This memorial stands as a reminder of the past we must never forget, and as a testament to the enduring spirit of those who transformed their suffering into a legacy of resilience, community, and hope.”
“The Queens Holocaust Memorial Garden will create a lasting place of reflection and remembrance for the Jewish community in Queens. This garden will stand in honor of the six million Jews who were systematically persecuted and murdered, as well as the millions of non-Jewish civilians, soldiers, and prisoners of war who also perished across Europe,” said Melinda Katz, district attorney of Queens. As time passes and we lose more Holocaust survivors— those who witnessed these atrocities firsthand—it becomes our collective responsibility to preserve their stories and protect the truth. I thank Mayor Eric Adams, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards and Memorial Garden Chairman Michael Nussbaum for their commitment in bringing this meaningful project to life. This memorial will serve as a powerful reminder of the consequences of unchecked hatred to ensure that history never repeats itself.”
“This Holocaust Memorial Garden is symbolic of the times we live in. A garden shows the beauty that surrounds us, while the memorial honors the memories of those who were brutally murdered during the Holocaust. It is vital to continue to honor the memory of the Holocaust, while also providing support to the remaining 14,700 survivors who live in New York City,” said Masha Pearl, executive director of The Blue Card. “This is a beautiful creation, and we are honored to take part in this memorial. Thank you to Mayor Eric Adams and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards for making this vision a reality.”
***Crime Blotter***
QUEENS UNCLE WHO KILLED NEPHEW CONVICTED OF MURDER:
Defendant and Nephew Argued over Payment for Food at Party; Defendant Also Found Guilty of Assault for Injuring Niece in Shooting. Faces Up to 50 Years to Life in Prison at Sentencing.
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that Durran Morgan was convicted of murder in the shooting death of his 25-year-old nephew during a family barbecue in St. Albans during Memorial Day weekend in 2023. Morgan argued with his nephew, 25-year-old Chevaughn Millings, over payment for the chicken served at the gathering. The defendant was also convicted of assault for shooting his niece.
District Attorney Katz said: “What should have been a joyous holiday weekend turned to complete tragedy when the defendant shot and killed his 25-year-old nephew over a petty dispute about food payment. He also seriously injured his own niece during a shooting that happened in view of other relatives. Gun violence is never the answer to any argument. The defendant has now been found guilty of murder and will be sent to prison when he is sentenced on December 16.”
Morgan, 40, of Pineville Lane in St. Albans, was convicted yesterday by a jury of murder in the second degree, assault in the first degree and criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree. Trial openings began on November 20 and summations took place yesterday. The jury deliberated for less than two hours before delivering a verdict. Queens Supreme Court Justice Michael Aloise set sentencing for December 16 at which time Morgan faces up to 25 years to life in prison.
According to the charges and trial testimony, on May 27, 2023, at approximately 9:13 p.m., Morgan along with numerous family members were having a barbecue at the family home in St. Albans. The defendant and Chevaughn Millings argued about payment for the meal and Millings and another guest pushed Morgan out of a side door at the house. Morgan then went to the front door, re-entered the home and encountered his nephew. He took out a gun from his waistband and shot the 25-year-old 10 times. Millings was struck in the abdomen and legs and died as a result of the injuries. According to trial records, the defendant’s 20-year-old niece, who was standing near Millings, was hit multiple times in the leg and grazed by a bullet on her forehead. She survived and is continuing to recover.
Morgan fled to Georgia after the shooting and later returned to New York to surrender.
—With contributions by Augusta Luger
This column was originated by John A. Toscano.