In a renewed effort to solve a four-year-old homicide case, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz has released surveillance footage related to the fatal shooting of off-duty New York City Correction Officer John Jeff.

The incident occurred on August 15, 2020, in Springfield Gardens, Queens. Authorities are offering a $30,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction in this case.

Incident Overview

On the night of the incident, 28-year-old John Jeff, accompanied by a female colleague, parked their black Chevy Malibu near the intersection of Defoe and Ridgedale Streets. Their vehicle was blocked by a garbage truck ahead and two cars—a black Mercedes and a blue BMW—behind them. Jeff exited the car to request the drivers to move, leading to a verbal altercation with the occupants of the Mercedes. Identifying himself as an officer, Jeff drew his firearm, prompting the Mercedes to reverse. The Malibu then turned onto Defoe Street but was soon blocked again by a white Infiniti approaching from the opposite direction. Another confrontation ensued, during which gunfire erupted, resulting in Jeff being shot multiple times. The involved vehicles fled the scene immediately.

Investigation Details

Responding officers discovered Jeff with gunshot wounds to his head, torso, left arm, and left leg. He was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after. Investigators recovered 13 shell casings and other ballistic evidence from the scene, indicating the use of two different firearms. Notably, Jeff’s service weapon was missing, leading authorities to believe it may have been used against him.

Public Appeal

District Attorney Katz emphasized the importance of public assistance in solving this case, stating, “Although cases grow cold, they are never forgotten.” By releasing the surveillance footage, officials hope to jog memories and encourage witnesses to come forward. The footage captures the moments leading up to the shooting and the subsequent flight of the suspects’ vehicles.

Community Response

The tragic death of Officer Jeff, who had served at the Anna M. Kross Center on Rikers Island for over two years, has deeply affected both his colleagues and the local community. Benny Boscio Jr., president of the Correction Officers’ Benevolent Association, described Jeff as “well-liked and highly regarded by his fellow officers.” The association has pledged a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

Call to Action

Authorities urge anyone with information about the incident to contact the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or, for Spanish speakers, at 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). Tips can also be submitted online at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org. All communications are confidential, and the combined reward for actionable information now totals $30,000.

The release of this surveillance footage marks a significant step in the ongoing investigation into Officer John Jeff’s murder. Authorities remain committed to bringing those responsible to justice and providing closure to Jeff’s family and colleagues. Community involvement is crucial, and anyone with pertinent information is strongly encouraged to come forward.