New video released by Queens DA shows cold-case killing of off-duty NYC correction officer
Newly released footage has come to light, showcasing the tragic moment when an off-duty New York City correction officer, John Jeff, was fatally shot in Queens over four years ago. The incident, which unfolded during a parking altercation, resulted in Jeff’s untimely demise in the early hours of August 15, 2020.
The black and white surveillance video captures the disturbing scene as Jeff, aged 28, was gunned down in a barrage of bullets, with the perpetrators fleeing the area shortly thereafter. According to Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, the violent confrontation escalated when Jeff found himself embroiled in a parking dispute at the intersection of Defoe and Ridgedale Streets in Springfield Gardens.
Jeff, a passenger in a black Chevy Malibu, was surrounded by a garbage truck, a black Mercedes, and a blue BMW, which led to a confrontation when he asked the drivers of the other vehicles to move. A verbal altercation ensued between Jeff and the occupants of the black Mercedes, prompting Jeff to draw his firearm and identify himself as an officer.
Following a brief standoff, the black Mercedes retreated, permitting Jeff to re-enter the vehicle. However, moments later, another vehicle, a white Infiniti, obstructed their path on Defoe Street, sparking another argument. The situation escalated as Jeff engaged with the individual, drawing the attention of nearby onlookers.
As chaos erupted, multiple gunshots rang out, fatally striking Jeff in the head and body. Witnesses described the pandemonium as people ran in panic, with one reveler even losing a shoe and a fingernail in the commotion. The assailants, driving the black Mercedes, the blue BMW, and the white Infiniti, fled the scene, leaving behind 13 shell casings and a sense of unease.
Investigators suspect that Jeff may have been shot with his own firearm after being hit by the perpetrator’s bullets. Despite extensive efforts, Jeff’s gun was never recovered. Jeff, who was assigned to the Anna M. Kross Center on Rikers Island, had dedicated over two years to his role as a correction officer.
In a bid to garner new leads and information, Katz’s office released the surveillance footage to the public. The haunting video captures the chilling moments before and after the fatal shooting, imploring individuals to step forward with any relevant details.
Katz emphasized the importance of not letting cold cases fade from memory, reiterating a commitment to seeking justice for Jeff’s senseless murder. She encourages anyone with information to reach out to NYPD Crimestoppers, promising confidentiality and a $30,000 reward for pertinent information related to the case.