You are reading

Bronx Man Indicted for Murder for Fatal Shooting Outside Kew Gardens Hotel

A 19-year-old Bronx man has been charged with murder for a fatal shooting that took place outside the now-shuttered Umbrella Hotel in Kew Gardens on Jan. 1, 2021 (Google Maps)

Oct. 27, 2021 By Christian Murray

A Bronx man who allegedly shot three men—one fatally—outside a Kew Gardens hotel in the early hours of Jan. 1 has been indicted on murder and attempted-murder charges, according to the Queens District Attorney’s office.

Richard Swgert, 19, allegedly killed a 20-year-old Rosedale man and injured two others after an argument broke out between two groups at a New Year’s Eve party at the now-shuttered Umbrella Hotel on 82nd Avenue and Queens Boulevard.

The shooting took place at around 1 a.m. and left Robert Williams dead and two other men requiring treatment at local hospitals.

“The defendant’s alleged actions led to the first homicide in New York City this year,” said Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz. “Senseless shooting have brought grief and heartache to far too many families in our neighborhoods.”

Swgert was arraigned Tuesday on a seven-count indictment charging him with murder in the second degree, two counts of attempted murder in the second degree, as well as weapons and assault-related charges.

He faces 25 years-to-life in prison if convicted and was ordered to return to court Nov. 29.

The Umbrella Hotel closed about a week after the fatal shooting. Elected officials and community leaders had been calling on City Hall to close it for months prior to the killing. There had been two shootings at the hotel in the six months leading up to the Jan. 1 murder as well as arrests pertaining to prostitution.

email the author: news@queenspost.com
No comments yet

Leave a Comment
Reply to this Comment

All comments are subject to moderation before being posted.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Recent News

Unwind after hours at these cozy Queens cafes

Jul. 25, 2025 By Jessica Militello

Forget the bars and crowded clubs — Queens is brimming with charming cafes that keep their doors open well past sunset, offering a perfect alternative for those who want to meet up for a late-night hangout without the alcohol. From authentic Yemeni coffee houses to bakeries with outdoor garden patios, check out these Queens cafes for your next late-night catch-up with friends, or for a cozy date night plan.

Cool off this summer with margaritas in Queens

Jul. 25, 2025 By Paulina Albarracin

The summer season ushers in outdoor adventures, extended daylight hours and sweltering heat, making it the perfect time to kick back at a local restaurant or bar and order a refreshing margarita. Sipping on this tequila-infused cocktail is one of the best ways to beat the heat and revel with margarita connoisseurs in your neighborhood.

A slice of legacy: Carlo’s Pizzeria keeps Sicilian tradition alive in Middle Village

Jul. 18, 2025 By Christy Hinko

On Metropolitan Avenue, between 74th and 75th streets in Middle Village, Carlo’s Pizzeria isn’t just a place to grab a slice — it’s a place where history is folded into every piece of dough, sauce and cheese. The beloved neighborhood pizzeria has been serving Queens for nearly 60 years, now led by third-generation owner Anthony Caruana, who proudly carries forward the dream his grandfather brought from Sicily.