Once-idyllic section of Queens sees murders rise 62% in just a year
Queens North, a once-sleepy section of Queens known for being one of the city’s safest areas, has seen a disturbing 62% surge in murders this year, according to new police data. This surge in violent crime is unprecedented in the area, with 21 people being killed so far compared to 13 in the same time period last year.
The uptick in violence is not limited to murders, as there has also been a 60% increase in shooting victims in Queens North, with 31 reported this year compared to 20 last year. One of the most shocking incidents occurred in Jackson Heights, where an illegal migrant struck teenager Jhoanny Alvarez with his vehicle after making unwanted sexual advances towards her and her mother. The suspect, Edwin Cruz-Gomez, was charged with murder after intentionally running over the teen and her family members on a sidewalk.
Another tragic incident involved 21-year-old Dashanna Donovan, who was shot to death by an ex-boyfriend who had traveled from South Carolina to Queens to hunt her down. Donovan’s mother, Helena Hypolite, described the harrowing events leading up to her daughter’s death, stating that she had tried to protect her daughter from her abusive ex-partner.
In the normally quiet 112th Precinct in Forest Hills, 19-year-old Jean Rios was found dead in the street with a gunshot wound to his chest. The motive behind the killing remains unclear, and no arrests have been made in connection with the case.
Experts believe that the surge in violence in Queens North may be a result of crime displacement from neighboring areas where law enforcement efforts have been more aggressive. The shifting of resources from specialized units to foot patrols in other areas may also be contributing to the rise in violent incidents in Queens North. Despite the increase in murders and shootings, NYPD spokesman Brad Weekes emphasized that Patrol Borough Queens North still has the third lowest number of murders and shootings in the city, surpassed only by Manhattan South and Staten Island.
City Councilman Robert Holden attributed the surge in violence to a lack of police presence in the area, pointing out that the NYPD is facing challenges in recruiting and retaining officers. He stressed the importance of deploying officers strategically to ensure the safety of residents and prevent further escalation of gun violence in the city.
As the community grapples with the increase in violent crime, residents and officials are calling for more proactive measures to address the root causes of the problem and ensure the safety of all individuals in Queens North.
