3 Arrested in 2023 Shooting Death of Queens Teen

Claudia Quatey, 16, was killed in a dispute near an elementary school in May 2023.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 2:05am

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Three men have been arrested in connection with the 2023 shooting death of 16-year-old Claudia Quatey in Queens, New York. Quatey was struck by a stray bullet while sitting in a car with friends near an elementary school. Police say she was not the intended target of the shooting.

Why it matters

Gun violence and stray bullets continue to be a major issue in many urban communities, with innocent bystanders like Quatey often caught in the crossfire. This arrest highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to hold perpetrators accountable and bring some closure to grieving families.

The details

Quatey was shot in the head on May 10, 2023 in the St. Albans neighborhood of Queens. Police have arrested 21-year-old Zaire Rolley, a 20-year-old man, and a 19-year-old man, charging them with murder, conspiracy, and criminal possession of a weapon. The identities of the two younger men have not been released, as they would have been minors at the time of the shooting.

  • Quatey was shot on May 10, 2023.
  • The three suspects were arrested on March 12, 2026.

The players

Claudia Quatey

A 16-year-old girl who was killed by a stray bullet in Queens in 2023.

Zaire Rolley

A 21-year-old man charged with murder, conspiracy, and criminal possession of a weapon in Quatey's death.

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What’s next

The judge will decide on bail for the three suspects at a hearing next week.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the need for continued efforts to address gun violence and protect innocent lives in communities impacted by these senseless acts of crime.