Body Found In Alley Pond Park Stabbed 28 Times

Queens

By Geoffrey Croft

The badly decomposed body found in Alley Pond Park on Sunday was stabbed 28 times, NYC Park Advocates has learned.

Police identifed the victim, Julio Vasquez, 16,  who lived on 166th Street, Queens as an MS-13 gang member, according to law enforcement sources.

The majority of  his stab wounds were to his back, the wounds also included six to the chest.    

He also survived a previous stabbing according to police sources.  

He has five prior arrests including menacing with a weapon on April 11, 2017 in the 113th Pct. Queens,  car theft, robbery, weapons possession and making graffitti.

Prints came back and police said he was a "self-identified" member of MS-13 according to their records.

The medical examiner estimates he was dead six to seven days before being discovered.

Police said a 911 caller reported a foul odor while walking in the park on Sunday. 

The caller, a bird watcher, found the decomposing body about 100 yards east southeast of Cloverdale Blvd. 76th Ave entrance to the park in a heavily wooded sunken.

The body was found face down, fully clothed, torso and head tissue loss.  Police think the body was dumped in the park.

He was wearing Air Jordan sneakers, Armani blue jeans and a long sleeve hoodie. Blue and white LA Dodgers hat near the scene.

A Tattoo on his chest appears to say "Familia."

The body was found within the confines of the 111th Precinct.

Torched Alley Pond Park Playground Reopens After Arson's Damage

The Alley Springfield Playground in Alley Pond Park - located at the corner of Springfield Blvd. and 79th Ave. in Oakland Gardens - reopens after a fire caused a $175,000 worth of damage.

Queens

The Alley Pond Park playground reopened late last week after having been shuttered in September due to an apparent act of arson, according to Douglaston-LittleNeck Patch.

Councilman Mark Weprin, D-Oakland Gardens, who obtained funds to repair the playground, joined Queens Parks Commissioner Dorothy Lewandowski and local leaders Friday to reopen the site.

“It is a shame that the community had to go for several months without this playground, but I am pleased that the Alley Pond Park’s children’s playground is open for business once again,” Weprin said.

At fire was set to Alley Springfield Playground in Alley Pond Park early Wednesday morning, September 28, 2011. Several pieces of equipment were melted. (Photo: NBC New York)

A total $175,000 was spent to replace the playground equipment, which was damaged during an overnight fire on Sept. 28.

City Department of Parks and Recreation officials believe that the fire was an act of arson, but no arrests have been made in the incident.

The playground is located in Alley Pond Park at the intersection of Springfield Boulevard and 76^thAve. in Oakland Gardens.

Weprin said thousands of northeast Queens children use the playground each year.

Read More:

Torched Alley Pond Park Playground Reopens

Site had been closed after a fire in September

Douglaston-LittleNeck Patch - June 19, 2012 - By Nathan Duke

Playground Set On Fire in Alley Pond Park

A Walk In The Park - September 29, 2011

Playground Set On Fire in Alley Pond Park

At fire was set to Alley Springfield Playground in Alley Pond Park early Wednesday morning. Several pieces of equipment were melted. (Photo: NBC New York)

Queens

Several city agencies are investigating the torching of a children's playground at the Alley Pond Park in Queens, according to NBC News.

The arson happened sometime between Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning, according to authorities.

Fire was set to the playground at the park, located at Springfield Boulevard and 76th Avenue in Oakland Gardens, damaging the ground surface and several pieces of playground equipment.

Both police and the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation are investigating.

Local City Council member Mark Weprin said thousands of local children use the playground.

"Anyone who witnessed the action or has relevant information should come forward," said Weprin. "The children of our community have lost access to a beautiful and safe place to play."

Anyone with information is asked to contact the NYPD Crime Stoppers hotline at 800-577-TIPS.

(Photo: DouglastonPatch)

Read/View More:

Police Investigate Queens Playground Torching

NBC New York - September 29, 2011

Arson fire damages Alley Pond Park playground

YourNabe - September 28, 2011 - By Rich Bockmann