Posted on: October 23, 2024 01:41 AM

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Teenage alleged gang member indicted on murder charge for shooting death of Queens motorist in St Albans

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that a 15-year-old male has been indicted on charges of murder, criminal possession of a weapon and other crimes for allegedly shooting and killing a motorist in St. Albans on September 16. The defendant, an alleged gang member, is accused of discharging a 9 mm handgun multiple times following a dispute with a rival gang member. William Alcindor, who was not the intended target, was shot once in the head and twice in the body as he drove by the location in his Nissan Rogue. The car then slammed into a nearby pedestrian.

District Attorney Katz said: “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. 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. Our thoughts remain with the family of William Alcindor and the young woman recuperating from her injuries.”

The 15-year-old was arraigned today before Judge Michael Hartofilis on a five-count indictment charging him with murder in the second degree, two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, assault in the first degree and assault in the second degree.

Judge Hartofilis continued remand and ordered the defendant to return to court on December 5. If convicted, he faces up to 15 years to life in prison.

DA Katz said that, according to the charges, on September 16, 2024, at approximately 4:50 p.m., the defendant is seen on video surveillance verbally arguing with another male in front of Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen restaurant at 117-13 Farmers Boulevard.

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 started to flee, and discharging his weapon.

At the same time, motorist William Alcindor, 66, of Cambria Heights, 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 female pedestrian standing on the sidewalk.

Both victims were taken to local hospitals for treatment of their extensive injuries. The female victim 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.

Assistant District Attorney Barry Frankenstein, Deputy Chief of the District Attorney’s Violent Criminal Enterprises Bureau, is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Assistant District Attorney Charles L. Dunn, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorneys Jonathan Sennett, Bureau Chief, Michelle Goldstein, Senior Deputy Bureau Chief, and under the overall supervision of Executive Assistant District Attorney for Investigations Gerard Brave.

From Queens DA