JAMAICA, Queens — A search is underway for the gunman responsible for a daylight shooting that claimed the life of a 41-year-old man Saturday morning. The incident occurred shortly after 8 a.m. on 147th Street, shattering the tranquility of a weekend morning for local residents.
Witnesses describe the moments leading up to the shooting as chaotic. Terry Simpson was about to tend to her plants when she heard the gunfire. “I’m still feeling shaken up. But the only thing I’m doing is praying for peace,” she said. Her partner, Ty Simpson, who was still in bed during the incident, recalled the distinct sound of gunfire, likening it to a series of rapid pops.
Surveillance video obtained from the area shows a black BMW slowing at an intersection as shots were fired from the rear window towards a man standing on the corner. The victim collapsed just steps from the couple’s home and was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at Jamaica Hospital, having sustained a gunshot wound to the chest.
Investigators collected numerous shell casings from the scene, with evidence strewn over several properties, including front patios. “We have kids and stuff around — we don’t really want this kind of thing, you know?” said resident Paul Messam, expressing concern for the safety of his family and neighbors.
Community members are increasingly anxious about the escalating violence in the neighborhood, which they attribute, in part, to ongoing wild parties at residential homes. Though it’s unclear if the shooting was related to these events, residents feel the area is becoming less safe. Reports of unruly gatherings at all hours have drawn unwanted attention, leading many to worry about the type of crowd that visits.
Local authorities have not yet confirmed a motive for the attack or whether any suspects have been identified. The community continues to rally for increased safety measures as tension mounts and fear settles among residents who hope for a return to peaceful days.
As the investigation unfolds, residents remain hopeful that law enforcement can swiftly apprehend those responsible and restore a sense of security to their lives.