It’s being called one of the largest gang takedowns in Queens history, as nearly three dozen accused gang members have been indicted. The district attorney said the arrests are connected to the murder of 14-year-old Aamir Griffin, killed by a stray bullet back in 2019 while playing basketball. NBC New York’s Melissa Coloardo reports.
What to Know
- Thirty-three reputed gang members were indicted, including on murder charges, in what could possibly be the largest gang takedown in Queens history, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz and NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell jointly announced Tuesday.
- The indictment comes after a nearly three-year probe that brought indictments against the alleged gang members, including five whom were charged with murder in connection to the shooting death of 14-year-old Aamir Griffin in 2019 -- an innocent boy gunned down by a reputed gang member after being mistook for a rival.
- These are the 33 alleged gang members involved in a bloody feud that terrorized the Baisley Park Houses and nearby communities in South Jamaica, Queens.
Thirty-three reputed gang members were indicted on a variety of charges including murder in what could possibly be the largest gang takedown in Queens history, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz and NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell jointly announced Tuesday.
The indictment comes after a nearly three-year probe that brought indictments against the alleged gang members, five of whom were charged with murder in connection to the shooting death of 14-year-old Aamir Griffin in 2019 after an alleged gang member mistook the innocent child for a rival, as well as the murder of Sean Vance on New Year's Eve 2020.
The accused, who range in age from 17 to 40, were arraigned on a 151-count indictment charging them with varying degrees and counts of conspiracy and murder, as well as additional charges. They are next scheduled to appear in court in May.
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"Whether it was a young man playing basketball with friends, a schoolteacher walking his dog, or a mother running out for milk for her children, we have seen law-abiding New Yorkers peacefully going about their business killed by mindless gang gun violence," said Katz. "We must do absolutely everything we can to get illegal firearms off of our streets."
At the center of the charges is the blood feud between Southeast Queens street gangs Money World and rivals Local Trap Stars and Never Forget Loyalty. While the gang war was set off by a slashing in April 2019, the tensions and violence between the gangs escalated after the murder of Griffin in October 2019, according to the district attorney's office.
Those arrested are the alleged gang members involved in a bloody feud that terrorized the Baisley Park Houses and nearby communities in South Jamaica.
News
"Some of the worst, the absolute worst, now in custody," said Jason Savino, the NYPD's Commanding Officer of the Gun Violence Suppression Division. "These are the trigger pullers."
Since Griffin’s murder, there have been more than 22 shootings, one deadly. The feud has been fueled through social media and rap videos in which they would taunt each other.
The takedown not only ended with the nearly three dozen individuals indicted, but also ended with more than 30 illegal firearms taken off the streets.
Those who live near the Baisley Park Houses remember the grief and shock they felt following the death of 14-year-old Griffin, allegedly shot and killed while playing basketball by 20-year-old Sean Brown.
"The shooter then boasting thereafter about dropping him. Zero regard for life," said Savino.
Despite the historic gang takedown, concerns over the community’s safety remain, as the neighborhood's gang problem hasn't been completely wiped away. Of the 33 alleged gang members indicted, four have not been arrested yet. Police are actively looking for them and working on additional gang takedowns.
