Eighteen-year-old Joel Lambert was found unconscious on May 21, 2021, near Beach 30th Street and Seagirt Boulevard in Far Rockaway and died of a gunshot wound to the throat after being taken to St. John’s Episcopal Hospital. He lived nearby on Beach 31st Street and was a high school student studying to become a nurse; his mother described him as a good kid not involved in criminal activity and a former high school athlete.

The NYPD opened an investigation but has not publicly identified suspects or made arrests. Police say the circumstances leading up to the shooting are unclear, that there is no indication the killing was gang-related, and that a shortage of witnesses willing to come forward has hampered the inquiry. Some reports have mentioned speculation about a possible preceding altercation, but there is no official confirmation that this was connected to the shooting.

If anyone who lived in Far Rockaway or was in the area that night has information, please share what can help investigators.