QUEENS, NEW YORK — Derek Trejo, an 18-year-old suspect now facing murder charges for the stabbing of a teenager, was on supervised release for a separate gang assault at the time of the killing. The Queens District Attorney's Office confirmed that Trejo had been released by a judge just two months prior, despite prosecutors requesting bail.
Fatal Ambush in Woodhaven
The incident occurred on Friday afternoon at the intersection of Jamaica Avenue and 76th Street in Woodhaven.
During the altercation, the 17-year-old suspect allegedly stabbed Argudo in the torso. Despite the efforts of neighbors who administered CPR, Argudo was pronounced dead at Jamaica Hospital.
Prior Release Sparking Outrage
Trejo had previously been arrested on November 12 for a brutal gang assault that took place in July. In that case, he was accused of being part of a group that beat a 34-year-old stranger and stabbed him in the back.
Despite prosecutors requesting $40,000 cash bail, the presiding judge granted Trejo supervised release. Neighbors expressed shock at the decision, with one resident stating, "He has no care for life... she would not let him back out again if she lived here."
Suspects Remanded
Both Trejo and his 17-year-old co-defendant were arraigned Sunday night on second-degree murder charges.
Neighbors remembered the victim, Argudo, as a "nice kid who just wanted to go to school" and noted that he did not appear to fight back in video footage of the incident.
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