NYPD releases photo of masked scooter shooter who killed 14-year-old in Queens

The NYPD has released an image of the suspect who fatally shot Malaki Adams, 14, in Edgemere, Queens. Police are investigating whether the killing was targeted.

Masked gunman steals victim's scooter after fatal shooting in Edgemere

The NYPD has released a photo of the suspect who allegedly shot and killed 14-year-old Malaki Adams in Queens on Monday afternoon, NY Post Metro reports, with investigators probing whether the attack was a deliberate, targeted killing.

The image shows a masked individual dressed in a black hoodie and checkered gray pants, riding a kick scooter. According to sources cited by NY Post Metro, the gunman shot Adams in the back around 3:40 p.m. and then stole his scooter before fleeing. Adams had been riding his own scooter when the suspect approached him on foot, gun drawn.

Adams attempted to run before the shooter fired and escaped heading eastbound on Norton Avenue in Edgemere, according to police. He was transported to Long Island Jewish Hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

Friends and neighbors expressed grief over the teen's death, with several suggesting Adams may have been caught up in gang-related violence in the area. London, 16, a friend of Adams' sister, described him as "sweet and lovely" and called the incident "a gang shooting," though she said she could not confirm whether Adams himself had any gang ties.

A local resident told NY Post Metro he heard two shots at the time of the killing and said he had seen the suspect in the neighborhood before the shooting. "You see the mask! He ain't letting no one see his face," the man said. "All these gangs here. You see him too if you sit here long enough."

Adams' mother, Alexis Credle, launched a fundraiser to cover her son's burial expenses. In a message posted alongside it, she mourned the loss of her "beautiful son." "My baby, you were taken from me far too soon," she wrote. "I will carry you in my heart every single day for the rest of my life."

Police are continuing their investigation and have not announced any arrests.

Source: NY Post Metro