A news report from the Queens Daily Eagle notes Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, in connection with the shooting death of 37-year-old Gudelia Vallinas, indicted 23 alleged gang members.
The incident resulted in the culmination of 850-count indictments of 23 individuals.
Valinas died in March of 2021 after warring gang members encountered each other, which resulted in irresponsible gunfire and a bullet striking Valinas in the head.
DA Katz said, The reckless criminality we saw during this investigation is the kind of lawlessness that has killed law-abiding citizens of New York.
Mayor Eric Adams said at a press conference, They have no regard for the safety of the people who live in this city. Gangs plus guns equal graves. You heard me over, and over talk about recidivism, these men were part of a system that allows them to continue to perpetuate violence. This case is another victory in our work to remove New Yorks most dangerous individual from our communities.
Officials stated on Tuesday that gang members who have yet to be arrested but named in the indictment are expected to be in custody in the coming days. The indictments cover several areas, including attempted murder in the second degree, conspiracy to commit murder, and criminal possession and endangerment of a weapon in the second degree. Of the 23 indicted individuals, 16 are already in custody.
A two-year investigation resulted in the indictments. The gang members range in age from 21 years old to 40 years old. Each could face imprisonment of up to 25 years if convicted.
The investigation was referred to as AQtively Movin. The NYPD Gun Violence Suppression Unit, commanded by Chief Jason Savino, worked with the District attorneys office on the shooting incidents.
Savino commended the detectives and police officers who worked on the case. Savino said, Our beautiful members of Queens deserve to be able to enjoy the beautiful parks and walk along Broadway or Steinway Street without fear of gunfire.
The investigation targeted the warring Crips gangs in Astoria and Woodside. NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell said, The dismantling of these gangs is essential.
The New York Post notes Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell saying, Other gangs who believe that they too could create a culture of fear in our city... those who believe that are wrong. Sewell vowed that there would be no let-up and authorities will be back with more cases and arrests wherever violent criminals threaten our communities.
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