The Story of Quinton Lockett-Simmonds, the St. Albans Shooting Victim Who Was Trying to Turn His Life Around
A shooting in St. Albans, Queens, on December 13, 2023, left one man critically injured and another on the run. The victim, identified as Quinton Lockett-Simmonds, 26, was shot multiple times in the chest and abdomen by an unknown assailant, who fled the scene in a dark-colored sedan. The motive for the shooting is still unclear, but police believe it may be related to a dispute over drugs or money. Lockett-Simmonds was rushed to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, where he remains in critical but stable condition.
Who is Quinton Lockett-Simmonds?
Quinton Lockett-Simmonds is a resident of St. Albans, where he lives with his mother and younger brother. He works as a delivery driver for a local pizza shop and is also a rapper who goes by the stage name QLS. He has released several songs on YouTube and SoundCloud and has a modest following on social media. He is described by his friends and family as a kind, funny, and talented person, who loves music and sports.
Lockett-Simmonds has also had some run-ins with the law, according to court records. He was arrested in 2021 for possession of a loaded firearm, and in 2022 for assault and robbery. He was released on bail for both cases and was awaiting trial at the time of the shooting. His mother, Latoya Lockett, said that her son was trying to turn his life around and that he was not involved in any gangs or violence. She said that he was a victim of a random act of violence and that she hoped the shooter would be caught and brought to justice.
What happened on December 13, 2023?
According to eyewitnesses and surveillance footage, the shooting occurred around 9:30 p.m. on December 13, 2023, near the intersection of 111th Avenue and 176th Street in St. Albans. Quinton Lockett-Simmonds was walking home from work when he was approached by a man wearing a hooded sweatshirt and a mask, who pulled out a handgun and fired several shots at him. The shooter then got into a dark-colored sedan, driven by another man, and sped away. Lockett-Simmonds collapsed on the sidewalk, bleeding profusely. A passerby called 911, and paramedics arrived shortly after. They performed CPR on Lockett-Simmonds and transported him to the hospital.
The police cordoned off the crime scene and collected evidence, including shell casings and a bullet fragment. They also interviewed witnesses and reviewed the surveillance footage from nearby businesses and residences. They have not released any information on the identity or description of the shooter or the driver, but they have asked the public for any tips or leads that may help them solve the case. They have also offered a reward of $10,000 for any information that leads to an arrest and conviction.
Why was Lockett-Simmonds targeted?
The police have not confirmed the motive for the shooting, but they have said that it may be related to a dispute over drugs or money. Quinton Lockett-Simmonds was known to associate with some people who were involved in the drug trade, and he may have owed money to someone, or been involved in a robbery, according to some sources.
However, his mother and his friends have denied these allegations and said that he was not involved in any illegal activities. They said that he was a hard-working and honest person, who was trying to make a living and pursue his passion for music. They said that he was a random victim of a senseless act of violence and that he did not deserve to be shot.
What is the current status of Quinton Lockett-Simmonds and the investigation?
As of December 14, 2023, Quinton Lockett-Simmonds remains in critical but stable condition at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center. He has undergone several surgeries and is expected to survive, but he may have permanent damage to his organs and nerves. His mother and his brother have been by his side, and have thanked the doctors and nurses for saving his life. They have also thanked the community for their prayers and support, and have asked for justice for their son and brother.
The police are still searching for the shooter and the driver, who is considered armed and dangerous. They have not released any sketches or photos of the suspects, but they have said that they are looking for a dark-colored sedan, possibly a Toyota Camry or a Honda Accord, with tinted windows and a damaged rear bumper. They have also asked anyone who may have seen or heard anything related to the shooting, or who may know the whereabouts of the suspects. All calls and tips are confidential and may be eligible for a reward.
Conclusion
The shooting of Quinton Lockett-Simmonds in St. Albans on December 13, 2023, has left a man fighting for his life, and a community in shock and fear. The police are still looking for the shooter and the driver, who are still at large, and who may strike again. The motive for the shooting is still unclear, but it may be related to a dispute over drugs or money. Lockett-Simmonds is a delivery driver and a rapper, who has a criminal record, but who is also loved and respected by his family and friends. He is in critical but stable condition and is expected to survive, but he may have lasting injuries. His mother and his brother are praying for his recovery and justice. They are asking anyone who may have any information to come forward, and to help them find the people who did this to their son and brother.
