A tragic and violent encounter unfolded in the early morning hours in the Queens neighborhood of Elmhurst, culminating in the death of a teenage girl. The incident, which began with crude sexual propositions, quickly escalated, leaving a family shattered and a community in shock.
On Saturday, September 13, 2025, around 4:10 a.m., 16-year-old Jhoanny Gomez-Alvarez was with her mother, stepfather, and boyfriend outside the Prima Donna Restaurant on Roosevelt Avenue.
A 38-year-old man, identified as Edwin Cruz Gomez of Uniondale, was also outside the restaurant with a group of men. Cruz Gomez allegedly began to sexually harass Jhoanny and her mother, offering them money for sexual acts. This led to a verbal dispute that escalated into a physical altercation between Jhoanny's stepfather and Cruz Gomez, which was broken up by bystanders.
Following the confrontation, Jhoanny and her family crossed the street to distance themselves from the situation. However, the events took a horrific turn when Cruz Gomez got into his Chevrolet Suburban and intentionally drove it onto the sidewalk, directly at the family. The vehicle struck Jhoanny, her mother, and her stepfather. Jhoanny was pinned against a pole and was pronounced dead at the scene. Her mother was transported to a local hospital for treatment of leg injuries, and her stepfather also sustained injuries. After striking the victims, Cruz Gomez reversed his vehicle, striking a parked van, and then fled the scene on foot.
Law enforcement apprehended Edwin Cruz Gomez shortly after the incident. He reportedly approached police officers a few blocks away, claiming he had been assaulted, and led them back to the scene of the collision. Authorities determined that his blood alcohol content was. 137%, nearly twice the legal limit. Cruz Gomez, a Honduran national, was also found to be in the country illegally and had a prior record, including a DUI arrest and a 2005 removal order. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has since lodged a detainer against him.
Edwin Cruz Gomez was arraigned on a slew of charges, including murder in the second degree, attempted murder, assault, vehicular manslaughter, and driving while intoxicated. In October 2025, a grand jury indicted him on a 15-count indictment. If convicted, he faces a sentence of up to 27 1/3 years to life in prison. He was remanded into custody and is awaiting his next court appearance. The case has drawn significant media attention and has been highlighted by officials as a preventable tragedy.
