You are reading

19-Year-Old Faces 25 Years to Life in Prison for Stray-Bullet Killing of Gudelia Vallinas: DA

Police tape hangs from a signpost where the fatal shooting took place (Photo: Christina Santucci)

April 21, 2021 By Michael Dorgan

A 19-year-old Woodside Houses resident faces 25 years to life in prison for the stray bullet killing of a 37-year-old mother-of-two last month.

Dajuan Williams was arraigned in Queens Supreme Court Tuesday for allegedly killing Gudelia Vallinas while she was walking near the corner of 48th Street and Broadway on March 12, according to the Queens District Attorney’s Office.

Williams, of 50-15 Broadway, allegedly fired shots at a rival gang member at around 8:15 p.m. when a stray bullet fatally hit Vallinas in the head. Vallinas was out doing errands at Walgreens pharmacy at the time, near where she lived, when she was struck.

The 19-year-old has been charged with murder in the second degree and criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree.

Vallinas, who was from Mexico, was the mother to an 11-year-old son and a 9-year-old daughter. The killing shocked the community and was widely condemned Several rallies have taken place seeking justice for Vallinas and an end to local gun violence.

Several people held signs with the words “Justice for Gudelia Vallinas” at a rally shortly after her death (Photo: Michael Dorgan, Queens Post)

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said the killing of Vallinas was needless.

“Two young children lost their mother due to this senseless shooting,” Katz said, adding that the community must “continue to sound the alarm” about the dangers of illegal firearms on the streets.

“This cycle of violence must stop and we must work diligently to get guns off our streets.”

According to the District Attorney’s Office, Williams had gotten into an apparent altercation with rival gang member Alexander Acevedo at the Woodside Houses NYCHA development moments before Vallinas was shot.

Acevedo, 25, fired at least one shot at Williams near the basketball court inside the development. The incident then spilled out on the street and Williams allegedly fired several shots down Broadway with one of those bullets allegedly striking Vallinas.

Acevedo, of 37th Street Astoria, was arraigned on April 13 and charged with criminal possession of a weapon and reckless endangerment. He faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted and was ordered back to court on April 29.

Williams is due back in court on May 20.

Several people held signs demanding justice for the killing of Gudelia Vallinas at a protest on March 25 (Photo: Michael Dorgan, Queens Post)

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

May races in Queens: JFK Airport 5K, Forest Park trail classic and a Queensborough 5K

May. 16, 2025 By Paulina Albarracin

The energy of May is on full display across Queens, with a lineup of local races that invite runners of all levels to hit the pavement and the trails. With mild temperatures and sunny skies setting the stage, it’s the perfect time to take advantage of the spring weather before the summer heat sets in. From the Forest Park 4 Mile Road and Trail Classic to the festive Great Hawaiian Luau 5K at Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, these events offer more than just a workout—they foster community spirit and personal growth. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen before lacing up and heading out. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or new to the sport, these May races offer a chance to challenge yourself and connect with others in motion.