A tragic shooting outside a house party in the quiet residential neighborhood of Laurelton, Queens, has left 24-year-old DJ Nakender Bruno dead, and two other men, also his cousins, seriously injured. The gunman, who fled the scene after opening fire on the group as they loaded DJ equipment into a van, remains at large, prompting a full-scale investigation by the New York Police Department (NYPD).
The horrific incident took place in the early hours of Sunday, at approximately 1 AM, along the 220th Street block near 133rd Avenue in Laurelton. According to police, the victims had just wrapped up a DJ set at a house party when they were ambushed. Nakender Bruno, a resident of St. Albans, was struck in the upper body and rushed to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center in critical condition, where he tragically succumbed to his injuries.
The two other victims, a 24-year-old man shot in the neck and a 33-year-old man shot in the torso, were transported to separate hospitals—North Shore University Hospital and Jamaica Hospital, respectively. Both are now in stable condition and expected to recover, according to authorities. All three men were confirmed to be cousins, adding another layer of heartbreak to an already devastating event.
The Final Moments: A Joyous Celebration Turns Tragic
Nakender Bruno, a passionate DJ and beloved member of his community, had just finished entertaining guests at a lively house party when the joyous occasion took a violent turn. He was helping his cousins load the DJ equipment into their van outside the party when an unknown assailant approached and unleashed a hail of bullets. Police sources believe that Bruno, who had a promising career in music and frequently performed at local events, may have been the intended target, though no official motive has been confirmed.
Witnesses at the scene described the chaos that erupted in the moments after the shooting. Neighbors were awoken by the sound of gunfire, and partygoers who had been enjoying a late-night gathering suddenly found themselves ducking for cover as bullets flew. One witness, Francisco Diaz, who lives next door to the home where the party was being held, recounted the terrifying scene.
“We heard the shots, and it was just a panic. People were running everywhere,” said Diaz, whose family had hosted a small birthday party for a 2-year-old girl earlier that day, just a few hours before the tragedy struck next door. “Some people from the party even ran into our house by mistake. They were just confused and scared.”
Diaz went on to speculate that the shooting may have been linked to an altercation involving the DJ, though he admitted that he didn’t know the full details. “Apparently, it was something with the DJ. The shooter went straight to him. So maybe he was targeted,” Diaz explained. “The family hosting that party didn’t get hurt, thank God. But it’s really scary. You don’t expect this to happen in your own neighborhood.”
A Rising Star in the Local DJ Scene
Nakender Bruno was a rising talent in Queens’ vibrant DJ scene, known for his infectious energy and deep love for music. Friends and family members described him as an outgoing, warm-hearted individual who was always the life of the party, both behind the DJ booth and in his personal life. His tragic death has left a deep void in the lives of those who knew him.
Bruno had built a reputation for spinning at parties and events across the boroughs, developing a loyal following for his unique sound and ability to create an unforgettable atmosphere. Many who had seen him perform were quick to share their memories of him on social media, expressing shock and grief over his sudden, violent death.
“He was such a talented guy, always smiling, always hyping up the crowd,” said a close friend who wished to remain anonymous. “It’s hard to believe that he’s gone. He was just doing what he loved, and now his life has been cut short for no reason.”
Others who had worked with Bruno in the local music scene echoed similar sentiments, calling his death a senseless tragedy. “He had so much potential. He was really starting to make a name for himself,” said a fellow DJ who had collaborated with Bruno on multiple occasions. “This is a huge loss, not just for his family but for everyone who loved his music.”
The Immediate Aftermath and Investigation
In the hours following the shooting, the NYPD launched a large-scale investigation to track down the gunman responsible for the deadly attack. Officers from the 105th Precinct secured the crime scene, and investigators combed the area for evidence, collecting shell casings and bullet fragments. Although detectives are still working to piece together the sequence of events leading up to the shooting, they have not yet determined a clear motive or identified any suspects.
The party had reportedly been well-attended, and investigators are hoping that witnesses from the gathering will come forward with information that could help identify the shooter. Detectives have already begun interviewing partygoers and reviewing surveillance footage from the surrounding area in an effort to determine who may have seen the gunman before he fled the scene.
Despite the gunfire occurring in a residential area, there were no reports of additional injuries beyond the three cousins. The surviving victims have since been stabilized at their respective hospitals and are expected to make a full recovery, though police have not yet released further details about their condition or involvement in the investigation.
A Community in Shock and Mourning
The senseless killing of Nakender Bruno has rocked the tight-knit community of St. Albans, where he lived, and Laurelton, where the shooting occurred. Residents of both neighborhoods have expressed shock and sadness over the violence that claimed the life of a young man known for his infectious energy and love for his craft.
“This neighborhood is usually so quiet,” said one resident who lives near the scene of the shooting. “It’s hard to believe that something like this could happen here. We’ve never had anything like this before.”
Another resident, who asked to remain anonymous, added, “Everyone knew Nakender around here. He was a good kid, always working hard, always smiling. It’s just such a tragedy.”
As news of Bruno’s death spread, local leaders and community organizations voiced their concerns about the rising levels of gun violence in the city. Several officials released statements calling for an end to the senseless bloodshed and urging the public to assist in the investigation by coming forward with any information they might have about the shooter.
Councilman I. Daneek Miller, who represents the area, expressed his condolences to Bruno’s family and called for swift justice for the young DJ. “My heart goes out to the family of Nakender Bruno, whose life was tragically taken in this senseless act of violence,” Miller said in a statement. “We must do everything in our power to ensure that the person responsible for this horrific crime is brought to justice.”
Gun Violence in Queens: A Growing Concern
The shooting of Nakender Bruno is the latest in a string of violent incidents that have plagued Queens in recent months, raising concerns about the growing prevalence of gun violence in the borough. While overall crime rates in New York City have fluctuated, shootings in certain areas of Queens have surged, leaving residents and community leaders calling for stronger measures to address the issue.
In response to the increase in gun-related incidents, the NYPD has ramped up patrols in certain neighborhoods and implemented new strategies aimed at reducing violence. These efforts have included increased stop-and-frisk measures, targeted gun buyback programs, and closer collaboration between local law enforcement and community groups working to prevent violence.
Despite these efforts, the challenge of addressing gun violence in a city as large and diverse as New York remains formidable. Community leaders have called for a multifaceted approach that not only focuses on law enforcement but also addresses the root causes of violence, such as poverty, lack of opportunity, and the availability of illegal firearms.
“We need more than just police officers on the streets,” said one community activist. “We need investment in our communities, in our youth, in jobs, in education. That’s the only way we’re going to stop the cycle of violence.”
Moving Forward: The Road to Justice
As the investigation into Nakender Bruno’s death continues, his family and friends are left to mourn the loss of a beloved son, brother, cousin, and friend. The outpouring of grief from the community has been overwhelming, with many expressing their sorrow through social media posts and tributes.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help cover the costs of Bruno’s funeral, and local organizations have offered their support to the family during this difficult time.
At the same time, the search for the gunman remains a top priority for law enforcement. Detectives are following up on leads and urging anyone with information to come forward. The NYPD has stressed that even the smallest piece of information could be crucial in solving the case and bringing justice to Bruno’s family.
For now, the community remains in shock, grappling with the reality of losing a bright young man whose life was cut short far too soon. As the investigation moves forward, there is hope that answers will come, and that the person responsible for this senseless act of violence will be held accountable. But for those who knew and loved Nakender Bruno, the pain of his loss will linger for a long time to come.
