Queens prosecutors say four alleged members of a local street clique known as the 007 gang have been indicted in the fatal 2023 shooting of 16-year-old Claudia Quatey in St. Albans, a killing they describe as a tragic case of mistaken identity.
The defendants were arraigned in Queens Supreme Court on March 11, 2026. The indictment names 19-year-old Messiah Randall, 20-year-old Nicolson Pierrimas and 21-year-old Zaire Rolley. A fourth alleged associate, identified as 19-year-old Pointdujour, is in custody on an unrelated matter and is expected to be arraigned at a later date. Prosecutors allege the group set out to hit a rival, missed their target and instead took the life of an innocent teenager.
Indictment details and charges
The three indicted defendants face charges that include murder, conspiracy and criminal possession of a weapon. The case was presented to a grand jury before the indictment was returned, according to amNewYork.
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said the defendants “acted in concert to plan and carry out the murder of a perceived gang rival when they instead shot and killed 16-year-old Claudia Quatey,” amNewYork reported. The outlet also noted that Pointdujour is currently being held in another case and is expected to face the indictment at a later arraignment.
How the shooting unfolded
Investigators say the violence traces back to May 10, 2023, when groups met near a park by P.S. 015 on Lucas Street in St. Albans and a dispute quickly escalated into gunfire, according to QNS.
The NYPD found Quatey with a gunshot wound near 121-14 Lucas Street, and surveillance video captured several people fleeing the scene. Prosecutors allege Randall and Pierrimas fired multiple rounds into a vehicle that contained the teen, then took off, QNS reported.
Victim and community response
Quatey was struck in the head and rushed to a nearby hospital. She died days later from her injuries, family members told local media.
Coverage from ABC7 noted that community members, including elected officials, joined mourners at the teen’s funeral and publicly urged witnesses to step forward. Her family described her as a student who loved track and dreamed of becoming a nurse.
Court dates and penalties
Randall and Pierrimas are scheduled to return to court on March 16, 2026, while Rolley and Pointdujour have pending arraignments and related proceedings, according to the reporting.
If convicted on all charges, the defendants could face a potential sentence of up to 25 years to life in prison, amNewYork reported. Defense lawyers for the defendants did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Broader enforcement context
Prosecutors say this indictment is part of ongoing efforts to dismantle violent crews in Southeast Queens, where a series of gang-related cases has drawn focused attention from the Queens District Attorney’s Office and the NYPD.
The DA’s office has highlighted several large takedowns in recent years in that part of the borough, as detailed in a press release from the Queens District Attorney's Office. Community leaders, however, continue to argue that prosecutions need to be matched with youth outreach and more resources if the city wants to prevent the next tragedy, not just respond to it.
Next steps for investigators and the family
Police are again asking anyone with information to contact NYPD Crime Stoppers or the Queens District Attorney’s Office. Tips and surveillance footage were crucial in the earlier stages of the investigation, according to QNS.
Neighbors and activists say the indictments may bring a measure of accountability, but they are still pressing for broader prevention work in schools and community centers. For now, the case moves forward in Queens Supreme Court as prosecutors prepare for trial and Quatey’s family waits to see whether the criminal justice system will deliver the justice they have been calling for since the night she was shot.
