Detectives in Queens picked up a suspect Tuesday night connected to a deadly double shooting over the weekend that claimed the life of 10-year-old Justin Wallace.
Jovan Young, 29, of Beach Channel Drive in Edgemere faces murder, attempted murder, assault and criminal possession of a weapon charges in connection with the June 5 homicide.
Sources familiar with the case said Young turned himself in to police on Tuesday and requested a lawyer. He was further positively identified by witnesses as the suspect responsible for the killing.
According to law enforcement sources, Young allegedly shot Wallace and his 29-year-old uncle in an ambush attack that occurred at about 9:33 p.m. on June 5 at a home on Beach 35th Street off Beach Channel Drive in Edgemere.
Video footage that the NYPD released on Sunday afternoon shows the gunman pulling up in a sedan, then walking up to the stoop and firing eight shots before running away.
Published reports indicated that the shooting may have stemmed from a parking dispute between the suspect and Wallace’s nephew.
Officers from the 101st Precinct, in responding to a 911 call, found Wallace unconscious and unresponsive with a gunshot wound to his torso. His uncle had sustained a gunshot wound to his shoulder.
EMS units rushed Wallace to St. John’s Episcopal Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Paramedics took the victim’s uncle to Jamaica Hospital where he’s listed in stable condition.
The double shooting spurred further outcry across the city over the increase in gun violence in recent months. Mayor Bill de Blasio, in meeting with Wallace’s parents on Sunday night, vowed that the youngster’s killer would be brought to justice. He further announced on Tuesday a partnership between the NYPD and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms to crack down on illegal firearms in New York City.
Young’s arrest comes hours after Edgemere residents remembered Wallace at a vigil set up outside the home where he was slain. Wallace died just days before his 11th birthday.
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards said he feels some “relief” to see an arrest in Wallace’s shooting.
“Tonight, we are feeling a wide array of emotions. Today we celebrate Justin Wallace’s 11th birthday without him. He should still be here with his family, celebrating all his accomplishments, the incredible young man he had become and the bright future ahead. We will never forget Justin, and he is forever in our hearts,” Richards said. “As we continue to mourn Justin, we must continue to end gun violence in Queens. We need to continue to invest in our communities and ensure our families can live safely. We owe it to Justin and everyone we senselessly lost to gun violence. We feel some relief to see an arrest in this case. This will not bring Justin back, but I hope this brings some closure to Justin’s family and friends. This is hopefully a step forward to justice.”
Additional reporting by Zach Gewelb.
This story was updated on Wednesday, June 9 at 10:30 a.m.
