November 4, 2022
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
We have one of the most intricate criminal justice systems in the world, and a standard for excellence that we have upheld in Queens County through diligent prosecutorial work.

As the District Attorney, I have seen firsthand the value of our efforts to obtain justice for victims and their families while holding defendants accountable in a dignified manner. This is why our enhanced legal training programs require sound judgement and professionalism from every Assistant District Attorney in every Bureau of this Office - something that we have recently been able to share with officials abroad.

Earlier this Fall, Executive Assistant District Attorney for the Supreme Court Trial Division, Pishoy B. Yacoub, visited Trinidad and Tobago to host a seminar for prosecutors in the Caribbean on the various tools we use to obtain the most just outcome in a criminal case. The workshop participants also took part in a virtual discussion with myself, Chief Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Naiburg, and Chief of Staff Camille Chin-Kee-Fatt during an interactive, peer-to-peer program.

Last week, my Executives and I hosted a delegation of law enforcement officials from the Dutch Ministry of Justice and Security to share our legal expertise on the fair administration of justice.

I stand proud of the Office we have established in the last three years, with a solid foundation in place that has greatly improved inter-office collaboration, strengthened community partnerships, and continues to better address the specific needs of Queens neighborhoods.
In Friendship,

Melinda Katz
Queens District Attorney
Select Cases of Interest
  • Defendant pleads guilty to manslaughter in killing of woman whose body was discovered in duffel bag
  • Far Rockaway resident convicted of first-degree murder in shooting death of a man following a street fight
  • Queens man convicted of manslaughter in stabbing death of friend
  • Brooklyn resident pleads guilty in deadly Belt Parkway crash
Diwali Celebration
It was a special privilege to host our annual Diwali celebration this week, in partnership with Assembly Member Jenifer Rajkumar and the many community organizations that enrich Queens County.

Special thank you to our co-sponsors and performers for joining us to highlight the strength and resolve of the many beautiful cultures that observe the Festival of Lights.

My Office will continue to celebrate and protect the diversity of more than 120 countries represented by Queens Borough residents.
Active Cold Case
As part of our regular call for help, we are asking for any information regarding the unidentified female remains that were found at 130th Avenue and 176th Street in St. Albans 28 years ago.

No matter how much time passes, our quest for justice does not diminish. If you have any information, contact NYPD Crimestoppers by calling 800-577-TIPS or submitting a tip online. Remember, all tips are confidential and can remain anonymous!
Rockaway Visit with Governor Hochul
Superstorm Sandy brought unprecedented devastation to Queens County. In commemoration of the 10-year anniversary, I joined Governor Kathy Hochul for a tour of the Rockaways to take note of the immense amount of progress we have made together.

Severe weather is becoming more and more frequent due to the impact of climate change, and we must continue to build better, stronger infrastructure to protect our neighborhoods. I have full faith that New York State will continue to lead the way in storm recovery and coastal resiliency efforts.
Criminal Justice Discussion with Our Students
Members of my Youth Empowerment Unit recently joined the Flushing Campus Legislative and Community Partner Breakfast, hosted by staff and students from Veritas Academy, Flushing High School, and Queens High School for Language Studies.

The event provided a great opportunity for students to voice their educational and public safety needs while allowing my Office to foster better partnerships with the future leaders of the Flushing Campus Community.
Veterans Day Observance
The veterans of this great nation deserve our highest form of appreciation, respect and gratitude.

On Monday, November 7th, I will be hosting a special observance ceremony to honor the men and women who have served and sacrificed for our nation.

Please join us virtually at www.queensda.org/livestream for this event as we pay tribute to our military heroes.
Gun Buyback Program
Our latest gun buyback program took 62 fully operable and potentially deadly weapons off the streets of Queens County. And we are doing it again.

On Saturday, November 19th, turn in a functioning gun and receive a $200 bank card, as well as an iPad. No Questions Asked. Let's continue to work together to keep our neighborhoods safe from gun violence.