Two Killed in Separate Queens and Bronx Shootings

A 15-year-old boy and 78-year-old man were fatally shot in unrelated incidents, police say

Apr. 17, 2026 at 11:35am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single spent shell casing on a dark, textured surface, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the aftermath of a deadly shooting.The aftermath of a deadly shooting leaves behind the grim evidence of gun violence in New York City.NYC Today

A 15-year-old boy and a 78-year-old man were killed in separate shooting incidents in Queens and the Bronx on Thursday night, according to the NYPD. Police are still investigating the shootings and have not made any arrests so far.

Why it matters

Gun violence continues to be a major issue in New York City, with the deaths of these two individuals adding to the ongoing toll. The incidents highlight the need for improved public safety measures and community-based solutions to address the root causes of gun crime.

The details

Around 6:15 p.m. in St. Albans, Queens, officers responded to a 911 call and found a 15-year-old boy with a gunshot wound to his chest at a local playground. He was rushed to the hospital but later pronounced dead. A few hours later, around 10:30 p.m. in the Mott Haven neighborhood of the Bronx, a 78-year-old man was fatally shot while sitting on a bench near a public housing complex. Police believe he may have been struck by a stray bullet.

  • The first shooting occurred around 6:15 p.m. on Thursday, April 17, 2026 in Queens.
  • The second shooting happened around 10:30 p.m. on the same night in the Bronx.

The players

Jaden Pierre

A 15-year-old boy from South Richmond Hill, Queens who was killed in a shooting.

Edgar Spence

A 78-year-old man who lived in the Mitchel Houses public housing complex in the Bronx and was fatally shot while sitting on a bench.

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What’s next

Police are canvassing the areas for surveillance footage and other evidence to try to identify the suspects in both shootings. They have not released any descriptions of potential suspects at this time.

The takeaway

These tragic incidents underscore the ongoing challenge of gun violence in New York City, particularly its impact on young people and vulnerable populations. Addressing the root causes and improving public safety will require a comprehensive, community-based approach.