In another incident of gun violence, a 14-year-old Arverne boy was killed Monday, September 21. Malakai Adams was shot in the back and later pronounced dead. Police are searching for a suspect in connection with the homicide.
At 3:36 p.m. Monday, police responded to a 911 call for a male shot outside the Ocean Bay Apartments at 51-24 Beach Channel Drive. When officers arrived, they found Adams, of Beach 56th Place, with a gunshot wound to the back. EMS transported him to Cohen Children’s Medical Center, more than 40 minutes away, where he was pronounced dead.
Photo by Theresa Racine.
By Tuesday, the NYPD released a photo of a suspect. Police say the suspect fled on a silver push scooter, traveling eastbound on Norton Avenue. The suspect is described as a dark-complexioned male, last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, black and gray pants, and red and white sneakers.
Photo by Theresa Racine.
Police are investigating the incident as a possible robbery. Detectives believe Adams was shot after the suspect attempted to steal his scooter. Witnesses said Adams was near the basketball court when he saw the suspect and attempted to run before he was shot.
By Tuesday, Adams’ family had set up a GoFundMe to help cover funeral expenses. A post from his mother read, “As his mother, I cannot put into words the pain of losing my baby. At 14, he had his whole life ahead of him—dreams to chase, milestones to reach, and so many more memories we should have had the chance to make together. Instead, I am now faced with something no mother should ever have to do: prepare to lay my child to rest. Our family is devastated by this sudden and unimaginable loss… My baby, you were taken from me far too soon. I will carry you in my heart every single day for the rest of my life.”
By Tuesday evening, Councilwoman Selvena Brooks-Powers, who represents the district where the shooting occurred, released a statement offering condolences and pointing to the need for a trauma center in Rockaway.
“My deepest condolences go out to Malakai Adams’ family, friends, and all those who knew and loved him. No family should have to endure the unimaginable pain of losing a child to gun violence,” Brooks-Powers said. “This tragedy is also another painful reminder of why Rockaway urgently needs a trauma hospital. When a life-threatening emergency occurs, every minute matters. Our community should not have to depend on transporting critically injured residents beyond the peninsula to receive the trauma care they need.
“We owe it to Malakai, his family, and every Rockaway family to continue fighting for the critical emergency medical resources our community deserves. Our thoughts remain with Malakai’s loved ones and the entire Rockaway community during this incredibly difficult time.”
On Thursday, September 24 at 5 p.m., a shooting response and call for a trauma center in Rockaway will be held at the site of the shooting, 51-24 Beach Channel Drive. The event is being led by the Black Empowerment and Opportunity Center.
The shooting came just after a 17-year-old was shot near Beach 43rd Street and Beach Channel Drive at approximately 9:30 p.m. on September 13. He was taken to the hospital and was expected to survive.
Anyone with information regarding Malakai’s shooting is asked to call the NYPD Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). Tips can also be submitted through the Crime Stoppers website or on X at @NYPDTips.
