‘Senseless murder’: Family mourns NYC man slain while defending girlfriend

QUEENS, N.Y. (PIX11) – A family is heartbroken after the “senseless murder” of a New York City man who was slain after coming to the defense of his girlfriend.

Rahsaun Williams, 39, was shot and killed at the Pomonok Houses at 65-16 Parsons Blvd. in Queens around 7:30 p.m. on Friday, according to the NYPD.

The Queens man was fatally shot after confronting a person who may have inappropriately touched his girlfriend, police said.

“The victim’s girlfriend was possibly inappropriately touched on her buttocks, and this leads to a verbal dispute,” said NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny.

The argument turned physical and Williams was shot and killed, the police chief said.

Police haven’t made an arrest in Williams’ death but have a “strong” person of interest, according to Kenny.

Williams was killed just days before his 40th birthday, according to a GoFundMe page created to raise money for his family.

“We appreciate all the love and condolences. We ask that you all send a donation to support his family in this time of grieving and heartbreak. Any and every thing counts,” the GoFundMe read.

The GoFundMe has raised $575 out of its $15,000 goal as of Thursday afternoon. For a link to the GoFundMe, click here .

Submit tips to police by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visiting crimestoppers.nypdonline.org , downloading the NYPD Crime Stoppers mobile app, or texting 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. Spanish-speaking callers are asked to dial 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).

Finn Hoogensen is a digital journalist who has covered local news for more than five years. He has been with PIX11 News since 2022. See more of his work here .

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