Story by Ethan
On May 20th, 2026, the arrest of Zahir Davis, age 18, was announced by Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz. Zahir Davis was charged with first-degree Gang Assault, two counts of second-degree Murder, and two counts of second-degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon. The arrest and charges against Zahir Davis were a result of an investigation handled by the New York Police Department’s 113th Precinct.
According to the Queens District Attorney’s Office, at approximately 6:15 p.m. on April 16th, 2026, a large group of teenagers assembled for an advertised water gun fight in Roy Wilkins Park in St. Albans, New York. After gathering together the group, including Zahir Davis, attacked 15-year-old Jaden Pierre by punching and kicking him repeatedly. After being physically assaulted, including being dragged across the ground, the victim was then held up with his back against a fence while Zahir Davis allegedly pulled out a silver firearm from his bag. The defendant then allegedly shot Jaden Pierre in the upper chest area. The victim collapsed to the ground, and despite efforts to later transport him to a local hospital for treatment he was later pronounced dead upon arrival. Zahir Davis fled to the island of Jamaica afterwards before returning on April 24th where he was apprehended by members of the New York Police Department’s 113th Precinct at JFK Airport.
The Queens District Attorney’s Office stated that the charges against Zahir Davis are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
