Authorities said Zahir Davis was taken into custody after returning to New York from Jamaica.
QUEENS, N.Y. — A Springfield Gardens man accused of killing 15-year-old Jaden Pierre during a chaotic fight at Roy Wilkins Park has been charged with murder, prosecutors said.
Zahir Davis, 18, was arrested after investigators said he flew back to New York City from Jamaica. The charges stem from an April 16 shooting in St. Albans that prosecutors said began as a social media-promoted water fight and ended with Pierre beaten and shot once in the chest.
Police and prosecutors said hundreds of young people had gathered near the park’s basketball courts when violence broke out. According to the charges, Pierre was surrounded by a group of teenagers who punched and kicked him. Prosecutors said Davis then drew a silver handgun and fired. Pierre collapsed and was later pronounced dead at a hospital.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said detectives with the U.S. Marshals Regional Fugitive Task Force arrested Davis when he returned to the city. Investigators believe Davis left for Jamaica after the shooting, authorities said. Police said Davis is a reputed BG4 gang member and that the confrontation may have grown out of earlier disputes between him and Pierre.
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said the killing “shocked and outraged” the city. Katz said Pierre was unarmed and under attack when he was shot. Her office said Davis was charged with second-degree murder, first-degree gang assault and two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon.
The case also includes a separate complaint tied to an alleged threat four days before the park shooting. Prosecutors said Davis was charged with aggravated harassment and harassment after allegedly threatening to shoot his ex-girlfriend, who is the mother of his child. Davis was remanded after arraignment and is due back in court April 29.
The shooting has focused attention on how quickly large youth gatherings promoted online can spill into public spaces. Police said the water and gel gun event brought Pierre and Davis to the same park. Investigators reviewed cellphone video from the scene, but officials have not publicly named every person seen taking part in the attack.
Pierre’s death left his family and the St. Albans community pressing for accountability. Prosecutors said the gang assault investigation remains active, meaning more evidence and possible additional suspects could still become part of the case.
Davis remained in custody Sunday as the court case continued. If convicted of the murder charge, he faces up to 25 years to life in prison.
Author note: Last updated April 26, 2026.