July 26, 2024

This past week, my office made significant headway in three vehicular crimes cases:

• The parents of a teen driver accused of killing a 14-year-old in a May 2023 high-speed crash were sentenced for facilitating their child's access to the vehicle when he was unable to legally drive.

• A delivery truck driver was arraigned on an indictment charging him for the hit-and-run collision that killed a 16-year-old pedestrian and injured her 8-year-old sister last month.

• A driver with a suspended license was indicted by a grand jury on criminal charges after allegedly slamming into an e-bike rider while fleeing police on July 3. The victim sustained severe head trauma and remains hospitalized. 

All three cases highlight the severe consequences of negligence and disregard for traffic laws.

The selfish act of driving without a license prioritizes personal desires over the safety of others, leading to unpredictable and often devastating results. It is a privilege to drive in New York State and it must be earned. 

The Vehicular Homicide Unit I formed last year ensures that every crash is thoroughly investigated and, when warranted, prosecuted by a specialized group of attorneys with expertise in the unique issues that arise in these cases.

We will continue to seek justice for the victims of reckless, negligent and unlicensed drivers.

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

In Friendship,

Melinda Katz

Queens District Attorney

Cases of Interest

• Six defendants were indicted for voter fraud in an alleged scheme to submit falsified absentee ballot applications in the June 2023 Republican Primary for New York City Council District 20. 
• A defendant serving time on an attempted murder conviction has been indicted on a murder charge after the victim passed away.

Interview with CBS2 New York

I sat down with Alice Gainer of CBS2 New York to discuss the groundbreaking case my office brought against the parents of a teenager accused of causing the death of his 14-year-old vehicle passenger. The victim was thrown from the car when the teen rammed into a parked UPS truck while going 100mph.

The parents had previously gifted the car to their son when he had a junior driver’s license that prohibited him from driving under any circumstances in New York City. The son's case remains ongoing.

If you have information regarding the death of Demika Moore, found killed in Jamaica 14 years ago, contact NYPD Crimestoppers by calling 800-577-TIPS, or through the online form.

It is never too late for justice.

Interview with WABC-TV Eyewitness News

WABC-TV's 7 On Your Side has closely followed grievances involving squatters in New York.

Having brought charges against alleged squatters in two separate cases, I spoke with reporter Dan Krauth about the latest efforts of my office to keep Queens homeowners safe from malicious practices.

The fact remains that you cannot walk into a house that is not yours and claim you have a right to stay. Such actions will be prosecuted in this borough.

Welcome Remarks

I extended a warm welcome to the newly graduated NYPD officers who have been assigned to Patrol Borough Queens South.

I look forward to working closely with the officers to strengthen community partnerships, empower young people to make good choices and hold drivers of crime accountable for their actions.

QDA Leadership Summer Internship

My Youth Empowerment team was proud to welcome 29 new interns as part of our yearly QDA Leadership Summer Internship program.

The program allows students 14–18-year-old to gain insight from professionals, discuss topics pertaining to criminal justice and engage in educational activities.

Since the start of the internship earlier this month, our interns have received informative presentations from Assistant District Attorneys, spoke to a criminal defense attorney and helped organize produce at a local food pantry.

We look forward to spending more time with them as the internship continues through August!