An 18-year-old American who travelled to Jamaica following a fatal shooting in New York has been arrested and charged with murder upon his return to the United States.
Police say Zahir Davis was taken into custody Friday night when his flight landed in New York City. He is accused of fatally shooting 15-year-old Jaden Pierre during a violent confrontation at Roy Wilkins Park in South Jamaica, Queens, on April 16.
According to investigators, Pierre was attacked by a group of teenagers near the park’s basketball courts during what began as a water fight organised on social media. Authorities allege that during the altercation, Davis pulled a handgun from his bag and shot the unarmed teen in the chest.
Davis was arraigned Saturday in Queens Criminal Court on charges including second-degree murder, gang assault and criminal possession of a weapon. A judge ordered that he be held without bail. He has pleaded not guilty through his attorney and faces 25 years to life in prison if convicted.
Police said Davis fled New York shortly after the incident and travelled to Jamaica, allegedly in an attempt to evade authorities. He was later identified as a person of interest and taken into custody upon his return.
Officials have linked Davis to the BG4 gang, which operates in southeast Queens.
Describing the killing as a “senseless murder,” Joseph Kenny said the violence erupted when rival groups crossed paths at what was meant to be a recreational gathering.
“You had a bunch of kids one day to have fun and play, but then you also had numerous gang members from the area… and then they crossed paths,” he said during a press briefing.
The case has drawn widespread attention after videos of the incident circulated online, showing Pierre being beaten by multiple individuals while bystanders filmed the attack. One clip captures the moment a gun is drawn and fired.
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said her office will pursue the case vigorously.
“This senseless act of gun violence will not go unanswered,” Katz said. “No parent should ever have to bury their 15-year-old child.”
The footage has also sparked outrage over bystander behaviour. Speaking at a vigil, Jumaane Williams questioned why no one intervened.
“Why was his life not worth putting the phone down?” he asked. “His life was worth saving.”
City officials say the incident underscores ongoing concerns about youth violence, even as overall crime trends show declines. Zohran Mamdani expressed condolences to the victim’s family and called for renewed efforts to address gun violence.
Meanwhile, tensions ran high following Davis’ arrest, with Pierre’s relatives confronting him as he was escorted from a precinct station.
Police say the investigation remains ongoing and have not ruled out additional arrests. Davis is scheduled to return to court later this week.
