
Seven men have been indicted in a Queens shooting that transformed a baby shower from a joyous celebration to a deadly scene. According to the Queens District Attorney's office, the party turned violent after gunfire erupted outside the venue, with the shootout continuing inside among more than 40 attendees, including children. One man died and three others were injured in the May incident, which appears to have been gang-related.
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz stated, "An event that was supposed to be the celebration of a new life turned into a deadly bloodbath when gunfire erupted both inside and outside a party venue." She also mentioned that at least 35 bullet casings were recovered as rival groups engaged in a shootout, with a 24-year-old man losing his life in the process, as detailed by the Queens DA's office. The prosecution intends to vigorously pursue those involved to combat the plague of gun violence in the community.
Among those indicted were Michael Hammond, Jermaine Orr, Javed Duncan, and Jameer Bennett, each of whom face up to 15 years in prison if convicted of charges including weapon possession, reckless endangerment, and endangering the welfare of children. Lagarthucin LeGrand, who at 50 was the oldest of the group, and his son Lagarthucin LeGrand Jr., are also facing charges. The former could see up to 11 years while the latter faces up to four. Authorities are still searching for a seventh defendant.
Per the charges, on May 4, 2024, shooting began when two individuals approached the group outside the baby shower venue and started to fire. As a panicked crowd ran for cover, Orr, Bennett, Hammond, and Duncan allegedly returned fire, further escalating the situation. Jefari Dobie-Reinhardt, aged 24, succumbed to the injuries he sustained during the shootout. Notably, a loaded 9 mm Sig Sauer pistol was later discovered in a tray of rice, part of an apparent effort to conceal the evidence. Hammond is believed to have similarly attempted to hide a gun in a tray of food.
Assistant District Attorneys Danielle Catinella and Brendan Quinones are leading the prosecution under the overall supervision of Executive Assistant District Attorney of Major Crimes Shawn Clark.