The newly released surveillance video depicts the tragic moment when off-duty New York City correction officer John Jeff was fatally shot in Queens over four years ago during a parking dispute. Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz hopes that the footage will help identify the killer and bring justice to Jeff’s family.
The incident occurred in the early hours of August 15, 2020, at the corner of Defoe and Ridgedale Streets in Springfield Gardens. Jeff, who was a passenger in a black Chevy Malibu, found himself boxed in by a garbage truck, a black Mercedes, and a blue BMW. An argument ensued when Jeff asked the drivers to move their vehicles, leading to a confrontation with the occupants of the black Mercedes. Jeff, identifying himself as an officer, drew his firearm in an attempt to defuse the situation.
After the black Mercedes backed up, Jeff’s driver was able to maneuver the car onto Defoe Street. However, another altercation arose moments later when a white Infiniti blocked the path of their vehicle. Jeff engaged in a heated exchange with the individual in the Infiniti before multiple gunshots rang out, fatally striking Jeff in the head and body.
Witnesses at a nearby party recounted the chaos that unfolded, with screams and people fleeing the scene in panic. The three cars involved in the incident fled after the shooting, leaving behind 13 shell casings at the crime scene. Investigators suspect that Jeff may have been shot with his own gun after being initially wounded by the assailant.
Despite the passage of time, Katz’s office is determined to solve the case and bring the perpetrators to justice. The surveillance footage, which captures the moments leading up to the shooting, has been released to the public in the hopes of generating new leads. The Queens DA is appealing to anyone with information to come forward and assist in the investigation.
Anyone with information is urged to contact NYPD Crimestoppers at 800-577-TIPS or submit a tip online. All tips will be kept confidential, and a $30,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for Jeff’s senseless murder. The release of the surveillance footage aims to shed light on this unsolved case and bring closure to Jeff’s family and loved ones.
