April 29, 2022
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Today is the end of National Crime Victims' Rights Week, a time dedicated to supporting and empowering victims of crime and their loved ones.

During this week, we celebrate the accomplishments of the victims' rights movement and underscore the importance of helping crime survivors find justice.

I had the privilege of hosting a commemoration ceremony for victims' families that was also attended by members of my Office and community-based organizations. We took the time to honor those we have lost to violence, reflect on the progress made in expanding access to services, and pay tribute to the heroic survivors and advocates who continue to raise awareness.

The program also featured a moving performance by the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts and an award presentation to Senior ADA Courtney Finnerty of my Homicide Bureau. ADA Finnerty exemplifies what it means to be an advocate for victims, handling some of the County's most complex and devastating cases from arrest through sentencing.

Seeking justice on behalf of all victims of crime is at the heart and center of our work. We will continue to support their needs and help combat violence in Queens County to ensure safety and fairness for all.
In Friendship,

Melinda Katz
Queens District Attorney
In The Courts
  • Queens man sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to fires set in apartment building and hotel and possessing illegal firearm
  • Jury convicts Queens man of murder for bus stop stabbing death in 2018
  • Queens man charged with murder of Forest Hills woman whose body was discovered in duffel bag near park
Sexual Assault Awareness
The month of April is recognized as National Sexual Assault Awareness Month, during which we observe Denim Day, a campaign against harmful behaviors and attitudes surrounding sexual violence.

The campaign began in the late '90s after the Italian Supreme Court ruled to overturn a rape conviction based on the notion that the victim was wearing tight jeans and therefore must have helped remove them, implying consent. The next day, Italian women showed up in jeans to their workplaces as a way to protest the overturned sentence.

On Denim Day, we stand united in our continued mission to support survivors.
Fallen Hero
A 3-alarm fire in Brooklyn tragically claimed the life of Firefighter Timothy Klein this past Sunday. Our hearts go out to his family, loved ones, and fellow service members.

Firefighter Klein was assigned to Ladder Company 170 in Brooklyn. He grew up and lived right here in Queens as an active member of the Rockaway community. I will be in attendance at his funeral service later today, to stand in solidarity with our FDNY heroes.

We will remain eternally grateful for his dedication and service on behalf of our City. May he rest in peace.
Guns Off Our Streets
Last Saturday, my Office held a gun buyback at Praise Tabernacle Church in Jamaica, Queens. This was the sixth such event since the beginning of my administration, which has resulted in 335 operable weapons removed from the neighborhoods across Queens County.

Each one of these guns could have been used to kill. Instead, every gun surrendered represents a crisis averted. I thank the local community and Bishop Caesar Cabiness for their partnership in the fight against gun violence.
Food Distribution
It was a pleasure to join Dr. Maria Hubbard of Greater Bethel Community Development Corporation for a food distribution event at Baisley Park Houses.

Hundreds of bags of produce and groceries were given away to local residents to help fight food insecurity within the community.
5K Walk For Autism
Our Community Partnerships Division had a great time talking to our young people during the annual 5K Autism Walk at Cunningham Park this past weekend.

Hosted by the NYPD's School Safety Division and the Community Affairs Bureau, the Walk raises awareness and provides resources for those affected by autism. My Office was pleased to partner with a local community organization Mothers for Advocacy and Awareness, to provide snacks for the children in attendance.
Summer Youth Employment
The New York City Department of Youth and Community Development has extended the deadline application for the 2022 Summer Youth Employment Program. The program is open to all youth, ages 14-24.

Participants receive the opportunity to explore their interests and career pathways, develop workplace skills and engage in learning experiences that help to develop their social, civic and leadership skills.

Visit nyc.gov/SYEP to learn more about this year's program and to apply.