On the evening of November 2, 2021, a domestic dispute in a Queens apartment escalated into a fatal shooting. Anthony Ragler, a 47-year-old male, was visiting the apartment of his girlfriend at the Pomonok Houses when he was shot. The incident occurred shortly after 7 p.m. near the intersection of Parsons Boulevard and Jewel Avenue. Responding to a 911 call, police discovered Ragler with gunshot wounds to his head and torso.
He was rushed to a local hospital but ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
An investigation into the shooting led to the arrest of Desean McCain, the 22-year-old son of Ragler's girlfriend. It is alleged that McCain shot Ragler multiple times following a dispute. At the time of the incident, McCain's mother and her nine-year-old grandson were also present in the apartment. McCain fled the scene after the shooting but was apprehended by authorities the following day.
Desean McCain was subsequently arraigned and faced a four-count complaint that included charges of murder in the second degree, two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, and endangering the welfare of a child. If convicted of the murder charge, he could face up to 25 years to life in prison. The prosecution of the case is being handled by the Queens District Attorney's Homicide Bureau.
