A Queens grand jury indicted a 15-year-old boy on charges of murder, criminal possession of a weapon, and other related crimes for allegedly shooting and killing a motorist in St. Albans last month.
The alleged gang member was arraigned Tuesday in Queens Supreme Court on a five-count indictment for discharging a 9 mm handgun multiple times following a dispute with a rival gang member. William Alcindor, 66, of Cambria Heights, who was not the intended target, was shot once in the head and twice in the body as he drove past the location in his Nissan Rogue. The car then slammed into a nearby pedestrian.
According to the charges, just before 5 p.m. on Sept. 16, the defendant is seen on video surveillance verbally arguing with another man in front of Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen at 117-123 Farmers Blvd. Based on an ongoing investigation by the District Attorney’s Violent Criminal Enterprises Bureau, the defendant is believed to be a member of the Bad Co gang, and his rival a member of the Top Opp Makk Ballers gang. Shortly following the verbal dispute, the defendant is seen producing a firearm, pointing his arm toward the rival, who starts to flee, and discharging his weapon.
At the same moment, Alcindor was driving eastbound on Baisley Boulevard in his Nissan Rogue. As he approached the intersection of Farmers Boulevard and 117th Road, the victim was struck by gunfire.
The SUV then veered off the street and onto the curb as the victim became incapacitated and hit a 23-year-old woman on the sidewalk. Police from the 113th Precinct in Jamaica and first responders worked to extricate Alcindor from his vehicle. EMS responded to the location and rushed the two victims to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center for treatment of their extensive injuries.
The woman suffered head trauma, a collapsed lung, and lower body trauma that has continued to affect her ability to walk since being treated and discharged. Alcindor suffered one gunshot wound to his forehead and two to his chest. Despite surgical efforts, he was pronounced dead due to his injuries later that night. Officers later recovered six 9 mm shell casings on the ground at the intersection of 117th Road and Farmers Boulevard.
“The defendant is accused of recklessly firing bullets across Farmers Boulevard in the middle of the afternoon, killing a 66-year-old father of three and leading to serious injuries for an innocent pedestrian,” Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said. “Gun and gang violence has caused too much heartache in our communities. We will continue to dedicate all resources to taking lethal weapons and those who use them off our streets.”
The teenager was charged with murder in the second degree, two counts of criminal possession of a weapon, and assault charges. Queens Supreme Court Justice Michael Hartofilis remanded the defendant into custody without bail. He was ordered to return to court on Dec. 5.
“Our thoughts remain with the family of William Alcindor and the young woman recuperating from her injuries,” Katz said.
If convicted, the teenager faces up to 15 years to life in prison.
