A tragic gang-related shootout that erupted during a baby shower in Queens last May has led to criminal charges against seven individuals, officials announced. The violent incident, which left a 24-year-old man dead and three others injured, unfolded outside the Volume Seventeen venue in Richmond Hill, shaking the local community.
Details of the Shooting
On May 4, 2023, a celebratory gathering of over 40 people, including four children, turned into chaos when two men approached the Atlantic Avenue venue around 1:30 a.m. and began firing at a group standing outside, according to Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz.
- Victims and Injuries: The hail of bullets forced the group to scatter, with some seeking cover inside the venue. The attackers allegedly continued shooting through the venue’s windows, injuring three people and killing 24-year-old Jefari Dobie-Reinhardt, a resident of Great Neck.
- Surveillance Evidence: Video footage captured the sound of gunfire as a white car sped away from the scene. Detectives later recovered 35 bullet casings scattered amid party decorations.
Criminal Charges and Arrests
The 55-count indictment, revealed Friday, identifies six men and an additional individual who remains at large. Charges include:
- Weapons Possession and Endangerment: Four men in their early 20s were charged with criminal possession of a weapon, reckless endangerment, and endangering the welfare of a child. One of the suspects allegedly smuggled a gun out of the venue hidden in a tray of food.
- Tampering with Evidence: A 50-year-old Brooklyn man, the expecting grandfather at the baby shower, is accused of tampering with evidence by hiding a firearm in a tray of rice after it was handed to him. His 26-year-old son is also charged with tampering for placing a cover over the tray.
Authorities recovered a 9 mm Sig Sauer pistol concealed inside a tray of rice within a garbage bag at the scene.
Community Concerns and Venue Reputation
The Volume Seventeen venue has faced scrutiny from the local community. Residents, like Wasir Rasul, who has lived in the area for nearly 20 years, expressed frustration over repeated disturbances at the location.
“This place is a problem. Since it opened, it’s a problem: fighting, drugs, gunshots,” Rasul said, adding that he hopes the venue is shut down following this tragedy.
The devastating events of last year’s baby shower highlight the impact of gun violence and its ripple effects on communities. With seven individuals now facing criminal charges, authorities are working to bring justice for Jefari Dobie-Reinhardt and others affected by the senseless violence. The case also raises concerns about safety and accountability at event venues.
