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15-year-old boy and 78-year-old man killed in Queens and Bronx shootings, police say
By
Brittany Kriegstein
Published Apr 17, 2026
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Ceri Breeze via Getty Images
By
Brittany Kriegstein
Published Apr 17, 2026
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A 15-year-old boy and 78-year-old man were shot to death in separate incidents in Queens and the Bronx on Thursday night, NYPD officials said.
Police said they have not yet made any arrests in either case and are still investigating the shootings.
Around 6:15 p.m. in St. Albans, officers responded to a 911 call for someone shot near Merrick and Baisley boulevards and found the 15-year-old at a playground with a gunshot wound to his chest, according to officials.
Emergency medical workers took him in critical condition to Jamaica Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
The NYPD identified the boy as Jaden Pierre of South Richmond Hill. He is at least the seventh teen to die of gun violence in the city so far this year, according to police reports analyzed by Gothamist.
Police said the shooting appears to have stemmed from a dispute in Roy Wilkins Park, though they said they are still looking into what it was about.
Officials said they’re searching for a suspect — possibly another teen — who was wearing a gray sweatsuit.
A few hours later, around 10:30 p.m. in Mott Haven, the 78-year-old man was fatally shot on a bench near the New York City Housing Authority’s Mitchel Houses, according to the NYPD.
Police identified him as Edgar Spence, saying it so far appears he was struck by a stray bullet. They said they are canvassing the scene for video to figure out what led to the gunfire and do not yet have a description of a potential suspect.
Spence lived at the public housing complex, officials said. He is the oldest person to be killed in a shooting in the city so far this year, according to Gothamist’s analysis.
NYPD data shows homicides are down about 23% citywide this year as of April 12, compared to the same point last year. Shootings are at roughly the same level as they were by that date in 2025, which officials have said was a record-low year for gun violence in the city.
In the 113th Precinct, which includes St. Albans and other Southeast Queens neighborhoods, there were two homicides and two shootings this year through April 12, according to the data. In the 40th Precinct, which includes Mott Haven, Port Morris and Melrose, there were one homicide and seven shootings by that date this year, the numbers show.
This story is based on preliminary information from police and may be updated.
Tagged
bronx
mott haven
new york city
public safety
queens
southeast queens
Brittany Kriegstein
Brittany Kriegstein covers all breaking news around New York City, with a focus on crime and gun violence. Got a tip? Email Brittany at [email protected].
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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