Two Teens Charged With Murder in Woodhaven Stabbing Death of 17-Year-Old Walking Home From School

Two teens, including 18-year-old Derek Trejo, are charged with murder in the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Josue Argudo on Jamaica Avenue in Woodhaven, Queens, according to prosecutors.

By Staff Reporter 

Queens Voice 

January 13, 2026

QUEENS, NEW YORK — Two defendants, including an 18-year-old and a 17-year-old, have been charged with murder in connection with the fatal stabbing of a 17-year-old boy who was walking home from school on Jamaica Avenue, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced.

The victim, identified as Josue Argudo, died after being stabbed during a confrontation Friday afternoon in the Woodhaven section of Queens. Authorities say the incident unfolded quickly, turning from a verbal dispute into a deadly act of violence in a busy neighborhood corridor.

According to prosecutors, Derek Trejo, 18, who is homeless, and a 17-year-old co-defendant from Edgemerewere both arraigned late Sunday night and charged with second-degree murder and criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree. Both defendants were remanded by the court.

Argument Turned Violent on Jamaica Avenue

District Attorney Katz said that between approximately 3:25 p.m. and 3:43 p.m. on January 9, Argudo was walking home from school along Jamaica Avenue in Woodhaven when he became involved in a verbal argument with the two defendants.

The confrontation allegedly escalated when the 17-year-old defendant produced a knife and stabbed Argudo in the torso. Wounded, the teen ran down 76th Street before collapsing.

Prosecutors allege that Trejo followed the victim, punching him and striking him with his headphones as he attempted to flee.

Despite the efforts of good Samaritans and first responders, Argudo was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead a short time later.

DA Calls Killing “Senseless” as Community Mourns

“This was a senseless act of violence that claimed the life of a 17-year-old,” Katz said in a statement. “As alleged, the defendants acted in concert, turning a brief argument into a fatal encounter. We join Josue’s family and friends as they mourn his loss.”

The district attorney emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing.

Court Proceedings and Next Steps

The case is being heard in Queens Criminal Court before Judge Lana Schlesinger, who ordered both defendants remanded.

• The 17-year-old defendant was ordered to return to court the following day

• Derek Trejo is scheduled to return to court on January 15

Investigation and Prosecution

The investigation was conducted by Detective Shane Witteman of the 102nd Precinct Detective Squad and Detective Thomas Scalise of the Queens South Homicide Squad.

A Tragic Loss in Broad Daylight

The killing has shaken the Woodhaven community, particularly because it occurred in broad daylight along a well-traveled avenue as students were heading home. As the legal process unfolds, friends, family members, and neighbors continue to grapple with the sudden loss of a young life.