August 8, 2025 ROCKAWAY BEACH, QUEENS — A deadly shooting has sent shockwaves through a public housing complex in Queens, leaving a 39-year-old man dead and a community searching for answers. The incident, which unfolded Wednesday night, marks another somber chapter for residents of the Hammel Houses.

At approximately 7:48 p.m. on August 6, officers from the 100th Precinct responded to a frantic 911 call reporting shots fired at the NYCHA Hammel Houses complex on Rockaway Beach Boulevard. What they found was a chaotic scene: a man lying outside of a building at 84-14 Rockaway Beach Blvd., critically wounded by multiple gunshots.

First responders from EMS rushed the victim to Brookdale University Hospital, where he was tragically pronounced dead. While authorities are withholding his name until his family can be notified, sources close to the investigation confirm the victim was known to police.

As of now, a description of the gunman remains elusive, and no arrests have been made. The NYPD is actively investigating the shooting and is urging anyone with information to come forward.

This shooting serves as a grim reminder of the challenges facing public housing communities. The investigation is ongoing, and police are relying on the public's help to bring the shooter to justice.

Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS or 888-57-PISTA for Spanish speakers. Tips can also be submitted online at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org or by messaging @NYPDTips on X (formerly Twitter). All tips are confidential.