A simmering argument at a barbecue gathering in a Long Island park erupted into gunfire, claiming the life of 15-year-old Quacere "Chase" Hagans and leaving two other men critically injured on the evening of April 15, 2026. The tragic incident unfolded at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow, where a social media-promoted event, believed to be a gathering of the Bloods gang, was taking place.
According to the Nassau County Police Department, officers responded to reports of shots fired at Field Two of the park, located at 1899 Hempstead Turnpike, around 8:27 p.m. Upon their arrival, they discovered Hagans with a gunshot wound. The teenager, a resident of Coram, was rushed to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead. Two other men, aged 28 and 31, also sustained gunshot wounds and were transported to a hospital in critical condition.
Investigators believe that a dispute between two individuals at the barbecue escalated into the fatal shooting.
In the aftermath of the violence, police took a 17-year-old into custody and charged him with weapon possession. Prosecutors stated that the teenager was found in a gated area of the park after attempting to flee the scene, and a loaded, high-capacity 9mm handgun was recovered nearby. Two 9mm casings were also found at the scene of the shooting. However, the 17-year-old has not been charged with firing a weapon and has pleaded not guilty to the weapons charge.
While Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder has expressed his belief that the shooter is in custody, no one has been officially charged with Hagans' murder. Detectives have recovered two firearms believed to be involved in the incident. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have offered a reward for any information that could lead to further arrests. They are urging anyone with information to contact the Nassau County Crime Stoppers.
