Murder charges in drive-by shooting

Three weeks after the shooting death of 11-year-old Corona native Genesis Regalado, Queens prosecutors confirmed that they will ask a grand jury to indict 16-year-old Joewyn Diaz, on second degree murder charges after previously charging him with hindering the prosecution.
Diaz allegedly drove the car that Jeffrey Matista, 17, allegedly shot Regalado from late at night on July 17, while she was playing outside of her home.
&#8220I think that everyone that was part of that shooting should receive the maximum penalty allowed by law,” said Assemblymember Jose Peralta, who, along with the Regalado family, called for increased patrols in the area.
The bullet that killed Genesis was aimed at her brother Jeffrey, after a dispute earlier that night where the accused said Jeffrey threatened them with a knife, according to reports.
&#8220They didn't have to settle it that way,” Peralta said. &#8220They could have settled it any other way.”
Both Matista and Diaz have already rejected plea deals from prosecutors, who are expected to seek 25 years-to-life sentences.
At a press conference days after the shooting, Peralta said that the police told him the shooting was gang-related, and although some people in the community dispute this, Peralta is not convinced.
&#8220They may not be the big gangs, but they may be a small clique of boys on the track to becoming a gang,” he said. &#8220We are trying to avoid the creation of gangs in this and any other area.”
Peralta has asked for the Guardian Angels to step up patrols in the neighborhood, which he said they have begun, but he also said the police have promised to increase their presence in the area.
In addition, Peralta also vowed to start a campaign to inform and educate parents about identifying signs that their children may be involved in gangs in order to prevent future incidents.
&#8220It is unfortunate that it took a tragedy like this to create a movement, but we will not let little Genesis Regalado die in vain.”
Matista is currently being held without bail, and Diaz is being held on $100,000 bail.