Disturbing Footage Shows Moment Before 15-year-old Boy Was Gunned Down

A 15-year-old boy was fatally shot in broad daylight on April 16 at about 6:15 p.m. The incident happened at Roy Wilkins Park in St. Albans, Queens. Authorities said shots were fired after a fight broke out on the basketball court in the park.

As police search for the suspect, video of the incident has surfaced online. The footage shows the teenager being swarmed by a group of people before he was killed.

The boy who was fatally shot has been identified as Jaden Pierre, 15. The online footage showed that he was attacked by a mob inside the basketball court. A video appeared showing him getting beaten by a large crowd, before a gunshot was heard.

According to a report by ABC 7, residents said that about 300 teenagers had gathered in the park for a water balloon fight. Several of them attacked Pierre before a single shot was fired. It stuck him in the chest, and he was rushed to the hospital. However, shortly after, he was pronounced dead.

The assailant is still at large. Authorities have said that most of the teens were wearing gray clothing and white sneakers when the incident happened. This might have made things difficult, especially when it comes to identifying the killer.

The NYPD has said that the teenagers present when the shot was fired have fled the scene. However, the police have managed to identify a person in connection with the shooting. They have shared some images of a teenager online, with the caption, "WANTED FOR HOMICIDE OF A 15-YEAR-OLD."

The NYPD X (formerly Twitter) post read, "On 4/16/2026 at 6:15 pm, a teen was shot and killed near Merrick Blvd and Baisley Blvd in Queens. The NYPD is looking for this individual in connection with the shooting. If you have any information, call @NYPDTips at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477)."

Police are conducting an extensive search to locate the suspect. Posters with his image are being put up, while patrol teams have also been dispatched to Roy Wilkins Park on April 17.

A $3,500 reward has been issued for information leading to the arrest of the gunman. In addition, authorities are also reviewing cellphone video of the suspect, who fled the scene.

The motive behind the murder has not been revealed. Police have also not said what led to the fight before the shooting.

Sharing the footage, Eric Adams wrote on X, "A 15-year-old kid was beaten and shot to death at a Southeast Queens playground yesterday. And somehow this isn't the top story."

He added, "Credit to AG Letitia James & BP Richards for speaking up. Where is everyone else, including @NYCMayor Mamdani? Outrage shouldn't depend on zip code. Every child deserves protection."

Jaden Pierre’s aunt told Eyewitness News that he was a very sweet kid.