Overview

At 2:45 p.m. on Friday, July 13, 2012, 18 year old high school football player Shawn Plummer was shot and killed while riding his bicycle near his home on Seagirt Boulevard between Beach 30th and Beach 28th Streets in Far Rockaway, Queens, New York. He had another teenager on his handlebars when the shots began. Shawn was hit in the forehead.

Detailed Case Breakdown

Shawn Plummer Case: A Summary of the Unsolved Far Rockaway Homicide and the Latest Investigation Updates

Overview

The murder of Shawn Plummer remains one of several unsolved homicide cases that continue to affect the Far Rockaway community in Queens, New York. Shawn Plummer was fatally shot in the head in July 2012, and despite years of investigative work, no one has been publicly charged with his murder.

The case gained renewed public attention years later after Shawn’s younger brother, Neshawn Plummer, was also murdered just a few blocks away in 2020. The two tragedies prompted renewed appeals from prosecutors and investigators seeking information from the public.

What Happened to Shawn Plummer?

On July 20, 2012, police responded to reports of gunfire in the Far Rockaway neighborhood of Queens. Officers discovered 18-year-old Shawn Plummer suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. He was transported to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries. Initial reports indicated that Shawn had been shot once in the head.

Investigators have not publicly identified a suspect or released a motive for the killing. The homicide remains open.

A Family Struck by Tragedy

Eight years after Shawn’s death, tragedy struck the Plummer family again.

In July 2020, Shawn’s younger brother, 16-year-old Neshawn Plummer, was fatally shot only a short distance from where Shawn had been killed. The similarities between the two cases drew widespread media attention and renewed calls for witnesses to come forward.

While investigators have acknowledged the striking circumstances surrounding the two murders, authorities have not publicly confirmed that the killings are directly connected.

Investigation Updates

The investigation remains active.

In February 2023, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz publicly appealed for information regarding the murders of both Shawn and Neshawn Plummer. Prosecutors described the brothers as innocent victims and encouraged anyone with knowledge of either homicide to contact investigators. The announcement also highlighted the continued commitment of law enforcement to solving both cases.

As of July 2026:

1. No arrests have been publicly announced in Shawn Plummer’s homicide.
2. The New York City Police Department continues to consider the case open.
3. Authorities continue to request tips from the public.
4. Investigators have periodically released reminders asking anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers.

Why the Case Still Matters

The murders of Shawn and Neshawn Plummer have become symbols of the long-lasting impact of unsolved gun violence on families and communities. The loss of two brothers within eight years underscores the importance of witness cooperation and continued investigative efforts.

Even years after Shawn’s death, law enforcement agencies continue encouraging anyone with information—no matter how small—to come forward. Investigators believe new witnesses or previously undisclosed information could still help solve the case.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the NYPD Crime Stoppers Program or the NYPD Homicide Squad. Tips can remain anonymous.

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At 2:45 p.m. on Friday, July 13, 2012, 18 year old high school football player Shawn Plummer was shot and killed while riding his bicycle near his home on Seagirt Boulevard between Beach 30th and Beach 28th Streets in Far Rockaway, Queens, New York. He had another teenager on his handlebars when the shots began. Shawn was hit in the forehead.

Shawn’s mother, Sharon, said he was a good kid that was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. These gunshots were intended for someone else. Shawn had aspirations of being a mechanic.

On the same day, there was another shooting in the area of Beach 22 Street and Dix Avenue in Far Rockway but thankfully no one was injured. The day after the murder, July 14, a 22 year old man was shot once in the buttocks in front of 1436 Beach Channel Drive. He was transported to Jamaica Hospital where he recovered. It is unclear if any of these shootings are related.

Sharon moved away to Brooklyn after Shawn’s passing, in an attempt to save her younger son Neshawn from suffering the same fate due to the gang violence in the area. Devastatingly, just 3 years later, at 9:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 30, 2015, 16 year old Neshawn was shot in the head while riding his bicycle in the vicinity of 25-18 Seagirt Avenue, just 2 blocks from where his brother was killed. Neshawn was back in Far Rockaway to visit friends that day. He unintentionally got in the middle of gunfire between rival gang factions. He was taken to St. John’s Hospital but was ultimately taken off of life support on Tuesday afternoon.

Neshawn had dreams of becoming a pediatrician.

Police released two videos of a several men running from the scene of the shooting. But their faces can’t be seen.

Sharon is now involved in anti gun violence groups after the murder of both of her boys.

This family deserves justice.

If you have any further information, please contact the NY Crimestoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.

Written by Ash Mysteries