14-year-old shot, killed during attempted scooter robbery in Queens: police

A 14-year-old boy was shot and killed during an attempted scooter robbery in Queens, New York, while on his way to play basketball, according to law enforcement authorities. The NYPD is actively searching for an unidentified suspect who fled the scene.

The shooting occurred just after 3:30 p.m. outside the Ocean Bay Apartments complex in the Edgemere section of Queens. Police identified the victim as 14-year-old Malakai Adams, who suffered a single fatal gunshot wound to his back.

Incident Overview

According to police officials and reporting from ABC7 New York, 14-year-old Malakai Adams was walking through his apartment complex on his way to play basketball with a friend when an armed individual confronted him. Investigators believe the perpetrator attempted to forcibly steal a scooter from Adams before opening fire. During the encounter, the assailant discharged a firearm, striking Adams in the back. Following the shooting, the suspect fled on a scooter, travelling eastbound on Beach 51st Street. Responding officers located the wounded teenager outside 51-24 Beach Channel Drive within the Ocean Bay Apartments complex shortly after receiving emergency calls regarding shots fired.

Suspect Information

Police have not yet identified the individual responsible for the fatal shooting. The suspect is described by witnesses as a man who was wearing a black sweatshirt and white shorts at the time of the incident. Law enforcement officials reported that the gunman fled the crime scene on a scooter, heading east on Beach 51st Street immediately after discharging the weapon. As of the latest updates from investigators, no suspect name, age, or further physical details have been established, and the suspect remains at large.

Victim Information

The victim of the fatal shooting has been identified by law enforcement as 14-year-old Malakai Adams. According to police and local news coverage, Adams lived in the surrounding community and was on his way to play basketball with a friend when he was targeted. Investigators stated that Adams was shot in the back during what is believed to have been an attempted robbery involving his scooter.

Police Response

Officers from the NYPD 101st Precinct responded to 911 calls reporting a shooting at 51-24 Beach Channel Drive in the Edgemere neighborhood just after 3:30 p.m. Upon arrival at the Ocean Bay Apartments, responding officers located 14-year-old Malakai Adams suffering from a critical gunshot wound to his back. Officers immediately secured the scene to preserve physical evidence and rendered aid while emergency medical personnel evaluated the victim. Paramedics transported Adams to Cohen Children's Medical Center in critical condition, where medical personnel later pronounced him dead.

Investigation

Detectives from the 101st Precinct and Queens North Homicide Squad are conducting an active homicide investigation into the shooting. Law enforcement personnel are reviewing local video surveillance footage, interviewing potential witnesses, and collecting forensic evidence from the scene at the Ocean Bay Apartments. Police statistics indicate that this fatal shooting marks at least the sixth murder in the 101st Precinct this year, compared to three homicides reported in the precinct during the same timeframe last year. Authorities continue to request assistance from members of the public who may have witnessed the incident or possess security footage from the area.

Arrest Details

At present, no arrests have been made in connection with the homicide of Malakai Adams. The suspect remains at large, and police agencies across New York City have been alerted to the suspect description provided by witnesses. Detectives continue to process tips from the community and analyze physical evidence gathered at the crime scene.

Charges Filed

Because no suspect has been apprehended, formal criminal charges have not yet been filed in court. However, under New York State law, an individual arrested in connection with a fatal shooting during an attempted robbery typically faces several serious felony charges upon arrest. Potential statutory charges under the New York Penal Law for such an offense include:

• Murder in the Second Degree (New York Penal Law Section 125.25): This charge applies when a person intentionally causes the death of another individual, or causes a death during the commission or attempted commission of a felony such as robbery, often referred to as felony murder. Murder in the Second Degree is classified as a Class A-I felony in New York, carrying a statutory penalty of 15 to 25 years to life in state prison upon conviction.
• Attempted Robbery in the First Degree (New York Penal Law Sections 110.00 and 160.15): This charge is brought when an individual attempts to forcibly steal property while armed with a deadly weapon or causing serious physical injury to a victim. Under New York law, Attempted Robbery in the First Degree is a Class C violent felony, punishable by a mandatory determinate prison sentence of 3.5 to 15 years.
• Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (New York Penal Law Section 265.03): This statutory charge applies when an individual possesses a loaded firearm outside of their home or place of business without a legal permit. Classified as a Class C violent felony in New York State, conviction carries a mandatory prison sentence ranging from 3.5 to 15 years.

Court Information

When an arrest is executed in a Queens homicide investigation, official court proceedings begin within the Queens County judicial system. Initial proceedings, including the preliminary arraignment, take place at Queens County Criminal Court in Kew Gardens, New York. During arraignment, formal charges are presented, legal counsel is assigned or confirmed, and a judge makes determinations regarding bail or orders the defendant held without bail in the custody of the New York City Department of Correction.

Because homicide charges constitute major felony offenses under New York State law, the district attorney must present evidence to a Queens County Grand Jury. A grand jury panel consisting of 16 to 23 citizens reviews the evidence to determine whether probable cause exists to issue an indictment. If an indictment is secured, the case transitions to the Supreme Court of the State of New York, Criminal Term, Queens County, where pre-trial hearings, motions, and trial proceedings take place.

Statements from Authorities

Official statements from the New York City Police Department confirm that the homicide investigation into the fatal shooting of Malakai Adams remains active and ongoing. Police representatives emphasize that detectives are utilizing available investigative resources to trace the suspect and establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Authorities urge anyone with information regarding the incident to contact law enforcement.

Public Safety Information

Residents of the Edgemere neighborhood and surrounding areas are advised to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to law enforcement immediately. Anyone with information regarding the identity or location of the suspect is urged to call the NYPD Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), or 1-800-577-4747 for Spanish speakers. Tips can also be submitted online at the Crime Stoppers website or by texting 274637 (CRIMES) and entering TIP577. Community members should always call 911 for immediate emergencies or active crimes.

What Happens Next

The primary focus of the NYPD and homicide detectives remains the identification and apprehension of the suspect involved in the shooting death of Malakai Adams. Investigators are continuing to canvass the Edgemere area, analyze physical and forensic evidence, and review security footage from surrounding properties along Beach Channel Drive and Beach 51st Street. Upon apprehension, the suspect will be processed at the 101st Precinct, formally charged, and arraigned in Queens County Criminal Court. The Queens County District Attorney's Office will subsequently present the case to a grand jury for formal felony indictment.