June 28, 2024

My office secured a 22-year prison sentence this week for a man who unleashed a violent, unprovoked attack on a commuter at the Howard Beach-JFK Airport subway station in September 2022.

The victim, a 33-year-old woman who was simply on her way to work at the time of the attack, was so badly injured that she later lost her right eye. A good Samaritan attempted to intervene during the attack but was chased by the assailant, who then resumed his vicious onslaught. It’s a miracle she’s alive today after the brutal assault she endured.

New Yorkers should be able to commute on mass transit to work and use the subway to take our children to school, and know that we can safely come home to our families. 

In Queens, my office will not tolerate those who choose to rob us of these freedoms.

My top priority will always be keeping you and your loved ones safe.

In Friendship,

Melinda Katz

Queens District Attorney

• A 19-year-old was arraigned on grand jury indictment charges of first-degree attempted murder for allegedly shooting two NYPD officers in East Elmhurst. The officers tried to pull the defendant over on June 3 for driving the wrong way on a one-way street on an unregistered motorcycle.
• An Arverne man was sentenced to 10 years in prison for an attack that killed a 52-year-old taxi driver following a confrontation over an unpaid fare in 2022. A codefendant was sentenced to prison in February. 
• Two men were arraigned on murder charges for their respective roles in a murder-for-hire case that took place in South Jamaica in 2021.

If you have information regarding the death of Denise Sheehy, who went missing from Woodside 54 years ago, contact NYPD Crimestoppers by calling 800-577-TIPS, or through the online form.

It is never too late for justice.

New American Voters Association

Since its inception in 2007, the New American Voters Association has been a leading advocate for increased civic engagement on a local, city, state, and national level.

It was a pleasure to join their 17^th Annual Dinner Dance & Award ceremony in support of NAVA's work assisting Queens immigrant communities and empowering first-generation Americans to get involved the election process. 

Juneteenth Celebration

I joined Carolyn Dixon of Where Do We Go From Here (pictured third from the right), the New York City Office of Neighborhood Safety, Life Camp, King of Kings Foundation and other nonprofits recently in celebration of Juneteenth at Lincoln Park in South Ozone Park.

As we commemorate this pivotal moment in history, let us cherish our shared liberty and recommit ourselves to the pursuit of justice for all.

Keep Your Kids Safe Online

As school breaks for the summer, it is more important than ever to be aware of what your child is doing on their smartphones, tablets and computers. 

My dedicated Cyber Crime Unit investigates and prosecutes crimes related to cyber scams, inappropriate content and predatory behavior. If you or someone you know has been a victim of a cybercrime, call our office at 718-286-6673. We're here to help.