by Woodhaven, NY – A 17-year-old boy was fatally stabbed Friday afternoon in broad daylight on Jamaica Avenue and 76th Street, in what authorities are describing as a gang-related ambush. One of the teens charged in the attack, 18-year-old Derek Trejo, had been released on supervised release just two months earlier following a separate violent gang assault, raising concern among neighbors and officials.
Incident Overview
According to the Queens District Attorney’s Office, the victim, Josue Argudo, was a complete stranger to his attackers. Argudo reportedly attempted to flee the confrontation, but he was caught and attacked. A 17-year-old accomplice, who cannot be publicly named due to his age, allegedly stabbed Argudo in the torso, causing fatal injuries.
“As alleged, the teenage perpetrator and co-defendant, Derek Trejo, engaged the 17-year-old victim in an argument on Jamaica Avenue that soon became physical,” Queens DA Melinda Katz said. “The teenage defendant produced a knife and stabbed Argudo in the torso. Despite the assistance of good Samaritans and first responders, Josue passed away a short time later.”
Prior Criminal History of Co-Defendant
Derek Trejo had been involved in a separate violent gang assault in July 2025. In that incident, Trejo and a group of six other individuals allegedly beat a 34-year-old stranger, threw a traffic cone at him, and stabbed him in the back. Trejo was arrested on November 12 but released on supervised release despite the DA requesting $40,000 cash bail or $80,000 bond.
Less than two months later, Trejo and his 17-year-old accomplice were allegedly involved in the fatal stabbing of Argudo. Trejo was taken into custody Monday and faces second-degree murder charges.
Community Reaction
Neighbors expressed shock and frustration that Trejo had been released from custody prior to the fatal attack.
“How can she do this? Look in his face! He has no care for life,” said Maria Carmen, 27, who lives near the scene.
“If [the judge] has to live here, live with him standing outside, she would not let him back out again,” she added.
Other residents noted that gang activity in the area continues largely unchecked. Oscar, 19, said:
“They’re not crazy, they know. One of that crew got arrested like 20 times. He’s still out. They know how it works here.”
Response and Investigation
Both Trejo and the 17-year-old suspect were ordered held without bail during their arraignments Sunday night.
Authorities said the younger suspect produced the knife that fatally wounded Argudo, while Trejo participated in the physical confrontation. The case remains under active investigation.
Eddie Gamble, a long-time Woodhaven resident, described Argudo as a kind and gentle teenager who simply wanted to go to school:
“You could see if you just looked at him, you just talk to him, he was always just smiling. I mean if you watch the video he didn’t even fight back,” Gamble said.
Gang-Related Context
Police noted that both suspects are affiliated with a local gang that frequents a nearby McDonald’s. Trejo reportedly resided several miles away at the Wyndham Garden Long Island City hotel, which has been used as a migrant shelter.
Public Safety Concerns
The attack highlights ongoing concerns about gang violence, juvenile offenders, and supervised release policies. Residents and authorities alike expressed alarm that a prior violent offender was allowed to remain free, leading to a deadly encounter shortly thereafter.
